The true test of a relationship is remaining in a relationship despite any obstacles. And that’s precisely the test Shirasaki and Hayama face in the second season of At 25:00 in Akasaka.

Adapted from Natsuno Hiroko’s manga 25 Ji, Akasaka de, the series once again stars Niihara Taisuke as Shirasaki Yuki and Komagine Kiita as Hayama Asami, two actors whose love story began under the bright lights of the entertainment industry. In season one, we watched as a fake relationship meant to help Shirasaki learn about love blurred into something real, pulling years of unspoken feelings into the open. What made that first season so compelling wasn’t just the romance, but how both men found strength in themselves through each other.

Now in season two, their love has finally been confessed, and it’s official. Both are thriving: Hayama as a popular actor in demand, and Shirasaki as a rising talent with promise. The two carve out stolen moments at Hayama’s home, building something tender and hopeful amid the chaos of their schedules. But as preparations begin for their new special Daytime Dream, an incident threatens to unravel the fragile balance between their professional ambitions and the bond they’ve created. It’s a reminder that in an industry as competitive as theirs, love is both precious and precarious.

The first two episodes dive straight into this new phase of their relationship. On the surface, Shirasaki and Hayama are stronger than ever, balancing career milestones with their growing closeness. But tension arises when Hayama’s manager discovers their relationship. At the same time, a fleeting hallway encounter with a new character hints at trouble ahead for Shirasaki. Layer on the fact that both men are eyeing the same script in the preview following episode 2, and the series wastes no time setting the stage for rivalry, jealousy, and the difficult reality of dating within the same profession.

All in all, season two feels like it’s gearing up to be a chaotic yet authentic test of love. The entertainment industry is competitive by nature, sometimes even cutthroat, and when two people are in love while also chasing the same spotlight, insecurities and outside interference can creep in. My hope is that the strength they built in season one carries forward, deepening their bond rather than tearing it apart. Because as much as I crave the drama, I’m also rooting hard for Shirasaki and Hayama to come out of this stronger, proving that love can conquer not just misunderstandings, but fame and ambition too.

No matter how rocky this journey becomes, season one already made me fall for these two. Season two looks set to break hearts and hopefully heal them, too.

For a story that promises to be even more heart-wrenching and intimate than its first chapter, check out At 25:00 in Akasaka Season Two now on GagaOOLala.

Rating- 4 out of 5