Iwanaga & Miyata’s love story was undulating in Season One. So what happens in Season Two??

Adapted from the manga series “Koi wo Surunara Nidome ga Joto” (恋をするなら二度目が上等) by Kinoshita Keiko (木下けい子), Season One was centered around Iwanaga’s & Miyata’s reconciliation. They were in love as teenagers and separated by circumstances. Years later, when they meet again, they are naturally drawn to each other and despite their abundant differences, they fall in love again. So, where does Season Two take these two? Sadly enough, the sequel isn’t as innovative as the prequel. It barely makes the mark, as the protagonists are reduced to their sorry states, as they engage in a ridiculous jealousy game. The entire season focuses only on the inevitable guilt and remorse, leaving little space for romance or overall character development. As Miyata struggles with accepting the truth about Iwanaga’s colorful past, Iwanaga remains stoic in the face of a storm.

Storyline & Chemistry-

Two years later, Miyata Akihiro (Hasegawa Makoto) and Iwanaga Takashi (Furuya Robin) are happily living together, having finally found the loving relationship they had long been searching for. Despite their busy lives, they cherish every moment they spend together, and their future seems brighter than ever. But even as they grow closer, Miyata realizes there are still parts of Iwanaga’s past he knows nothing about. Things start to get complicated when Miyato meets Hibino Takaaki (Fukami Motoki), Iwanaga’s accomplished peer and his ex-boyfriend. Later, he gets introduced to Taniguchi Rui (Akune Haruse), another ex-boyfriend who is younger and quite charming. Miyato’s confidence is completely shaken when he meets Arima Sota (Onuki Yusuke), Takaaki’s ex-boyfriend as well. Miyato’s self-esteem is affected and he starts feeling insecure. Iwanaga avoids talking about his former lovers, while fleeting words and subtle gestures hint at a side of him Miyata has never seen. Wanting to believe Iwanaga’s heartfelt words, “The only person I want to be with now is you,” Miyata struggles to shake the unease growing in his heart. As jealousy, unresolved feelings, and hidden pasts begin to cast a shadow over their happiness, the couple must face another test of their love in this heartfelt and passionate romance.

The problem with this season is that Iwanaga & Miyato have been living together for two years now. But their NC scenes are mediocre, especially Makoto still seems quite uncomfortable engaging in intimate scenes. Robin & Makoto have a natural chemistry. Sadly their discomfort is pretty viable in the kissing scenes. Robin tries, but it doesn’t work when your partner isn’t willing to play along.

Final Impressions

Some sequels should never be made. This was one such case!!

When Season One premiered in 2024, everyone was enamored by Iwanaga & Miyato’s love story. Their teenage romance was angsty, and their reconciliation was eventful. So, I’m pretty sure that most fans were seated to watch their everyday life as they started living together. But what followed was a disappointing storyline which was riddled with Miyato’s insecurities, fears, anxiety and Iwanaga’s inability to explain his past. The last episode was a failure, because Iwanaga never addresses the issues faced by Miyato.

Rating- 3 out of 5

Streaming on- Gagaoolala/ Viki