Every snowflake is unique in Netflix’s The Boyfriend Season 2.
Set in the wintertime in Hokkaido, this Japanese reality TV series sees a group of men get cozy, share intimate conversations, and run a coffee business while trying to find love. Ranging in age from 20 to 40, these men also do all sorts of activities together from hitting up the hot springs, building a makeshift igloo, and leisurely trips to local spots to test out their bonds and see if they have what it takes to leave this experience with a boyfriend.
And since Lizzie and I have so many thoughts about The Boyfriend Season 2, here’s our breakdown of Episodes 7-9!
1. William and Izaya finally kissed and are now boyfriends! Are they going to last?
Lizzie: I don’t know! I really don’t. I’m very torn about these two, because as these episodes ended I could finally see it for the first time, but they seem to be throwing obstacles at themselves at every chance and also, they’re moving way too fast at the same time? Like, I understand talking about the future to an extent, but they haven’t been dating for that long! A shared account? What are they talking about? It all gives house of cards to me. I wish I could be sure I can invest here, but I’m just not there.
Lyra: A part of me wants William and Izaya to last. Who doesn’t want a second chance at love? But a part of me wants them to call it quits now. Why? Because they’re on two clearly different pages. William wants to be a little more present and not be so invested in the future. Izaya wants to know where they are in 5 years and if they can open a bank account together. That’s not compatible, no matter how much they want to act like it is.
2. Huwei and Bomi are happening. Did you expect them to get to this point?
Lizzie: I really didn’t! Huwei doesn’t really give away much, and I wasn’t sure if he really did like Bomi. I’m not sure if he was sure, either! He did say something about how he could finally tell Bomi that he thought he liked him, which is a pretty weird turn of phrase after like a month. Do you like him or not? But the relationship clicked for me when Huwei, who can apparently do everything, made that custard. So I’m giving this a chance to surprise me.
Lyra: No. I expected Huwei to be in the final episode of The Boyfriend Season 2 like, “I’m not sure if I like you Bomi.” Because as much as I like him, Huwei is so indecisive and doesn’t trust his own feelings. But I also want to take into consideration that the translation might be off and he’s expressing himself a little clearer. But they seem to be a little more on the same page. Also, that custard. If Bomi doesn’t marry Huwei, I will. He thought of Bomi, all sick like, and made him something that would be easy on the stomach. That’s a declaration of interest!
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3. Hiroya has left The Green Room. But he’s promised to try again with Huwei. Is that wise?
Lizzie: No. Like, run away. Not just because Huwei isn’t interested, but because it’s setting yourself up for pain. I like Hiroya, but I feel like he’s been too focused on Huwei. And hey, I get it, you like who you like, but he hasn’t really tried to explore anything else and if he comes back, he should do that.
Lyra: I know that Huwei is pretty indecisive. But he made it clear with Hiroya. He’s not interested in him. So I truly don’t understand why Hiroya still thinks he’s got a chance. That’s just heartbreak coming for him and I don’t think he’s ready for it at all. Here’s hoping that he’ll meet the new members and try with them. Because the Hiroya and Huwei of it all is done and over with.
4. The Boyfriend now has two new members. What do you think of Tomoaki and Taeheon?
Lizzie: I liked Taeheon in Season 1, so it was easy to fall back into that, though I feel like he’s bringing a different vibe to Season 2. I’m not sure about Tomoaki. I feel like he’s the kind of guy who will really benefit from being on this show, if only because he’ll make friends with other people who understand him, and maybe he’ll learn how to be more open. If he only gets that out of it, I still think it’s a win.
Lyra: Tomoaki and Taeheon aren’t here to find love on The Boyfriend. They’re here to find friends. Tomoaki is an anxious mess And who wouldn’t be, especially after significant weight loss in combination with seemingly a lot of self worth issues and a bunch of hot guys. He’s got stuff to work through. And maybe meeting the cast will help him have a stronger community. But he’s not here for love. Neither is Taeheon. I don’t see him trying to get to know anyone unless he’s acting in a big brother role. That’s not the point of The Boyfriend.
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5. What even happened between Taeheon and Jobu????
Lizzie: I wish I understood! I think maybe they just weren’t compatible, because I think it wasn’t just one of them; both were really awkward. Some people just don’t click, and there isn’t more to it than that. I felt really bad for Jobu, though, because he was so excited. But you can’t force something that isn’t there.
Lyra: Shoutout to Jobu for trying. When he mentioned Taeheon in the beginning of Season 2 it was just wishful thinking. He didn’t think it would actually happen. But when it did, he didn’t just sit back. He took action because he understands what this show is about. Unfortunately, Taeheon and him aren’t on the same wave length about how to get to know each other or how they communicate in general. And Taeheon especially, he doesn’t seem like he wants to try.
6. Kazayuki is basically the big brother of the house. Was this journey something he was ready for?
Lizzie: I don’t think so, not in a romantic sense. I don’t think he was actually ready for that. But I’m starting to think this is still a very good environment for him and that it will help his growth. Sometimes, The Boyfriend isn’t about finding a boyfriend, ironically. Sometimes it’s about figuring out how to be open to what comes next, and in that regard, I think Kazayuki probably won.
Lyra: Admittedly, I was a little harsh on Kazayuki in our breakdown for Episodes 1-6. I said he was squandering this opportunity. But maybe Lizzie is right. He was in a 15 year relationship that just ended recently. His situation is different from the rest of the cast and maybe going on the show was the nuclear option to get him back into the dating world. Or so he thought.
7. Bomi asked a casual question: What do you think love is?
Lizzie: When he did, I say, well… that’s heavy. And now Lyra is asking it of me! I think love is… comfort. Trust. Wanting to talk to someone about the good things and the bad things, every single time. It’s feeling safe and cared for. And it’s every day.
Lyra: Firstly, loved Bomi’s “casual question” and Huwei’s life defining response. As for what I think, love is safety. When I can completely unwind around you and not worry, that’s love. When I can sleep around you, that’s love. And when I can tell you about the dumb thing I read online, because I feel comfortable, and you’re like, “Tell me everything,” that’s love. All of that is grounded in being safe.
The Boyfriend Season 2 Episodes 1-9 are now available on Netflix. Episodes 10-12 drop January 27th.
