The Boyfriend Episodes 7-8 were released on July 23, 2024, on Netflix. The show is hosted by MEGUMI, Chiaki Horan, Thelma Aoyama, drag queen Durian Lollobrigida, and Yoshimi Tokui. Each episode has a runtime of about 40-45 minutes.
The show follows nine young men who spend a month in a beach house, operating a coffee truck and navigating the emotional rollercoaster of love and friendship. The cast of The Boyfriend includes Dai (22), Taeheon (34), Ryota (28), Gensei (34), Shun Nakanishi (23), Kazuto (27), Usak (37), Ikuo (22), and Alan (29).
Also Read: The Boyfriend Episodes 1-3 Review: Slow Burning Game of Push and Pull
The Boyfriend Episodes 7-8 Review
After an emotionally tumultuous picnic in the last episode, The Boyfriend episode 7 shows Dai and Shun having a chat in the living room. While Dai reveals that he felt bad looking at Shun sitting alone, Shun instead replies that he is getting tired of Dai’s ways. He further adds that Dai’s words and actions don’t match. However, this interaction makes it clear to Dai that his closeness to other cast members, does affect Shun and he might not actually mean to be just friends.
Meanwhile, Gensei also feels dejected when he sees Ryota making cafe mocha for Kazuto. Despite his previous confession, Ryota doesn’t seem to think of him more than a friend. The next day, the coffee truck remains closed and they are sent to the race track for go-karting. They are tasked to race each other in batches and whoever wins at last, will have his wish fulfilled.
Most of the cast members express their wish to go on a date with a person they like. Unanimously more than half of the members want to take Kazuto out for a date, including Ikuo. In the first race, Ikuo wins the race with Shun in the second. In the second race, Ryota comes first, followed by Dai. In the third race, the top 2 from both races are made to compete. While Ikuo seems to be winning at first, Shun eventually crosses the finish line first.
However, the main motive of the race, ie getting your wish fulfilled remains futile as Shun has no wishes to ask for. Back at the Green Room in the evening, Ikuo tries to make his move and calls out Kazuto for a chat. He bares his heart out by confessing to him and questions if it’s okay to like him. Compared to the last few confessions, Kazuto seemed a bit serious this time.
After a long pause, he reveals that he didn’t even try to know Ikuo as their personalities were quite different. However, after the confession, he wishes to get to know him better, before giving him a concrete answer. The next day, Ikuo is chosen to lead the shift in the coffee truck but this time, he can choose 2 people to work with him. While 2-3 people raise their hands, he chooses just Kazuto to work with him.
Working together showcases a different and calm personality of Ikuo, which Kazuto appreciates. On the other hand, Dai tries to warm up to Shun again, through touch and being there for him. It seems to be working as well, as Shun says in the confessional that he has started to wonder what it would be like to actually date Dai. The next day, Kazuto is chosen again to lead the coffee truck, and every cast member volunteers to work with him.
Ikuo and Ryota expectantly wait to be picked but Kazuto goes along with Alan and Gensei. After the shift, Kazuto reveals that he simply chose them because they haven’t worked together, and there’s no other reason behind it. For the next shift of The Boyfriend, Dai is chosen, and most of the cast volunteers, except Shun. They seem to be back to their flirting phase, however, Shun not raising his hand, hurts Dai.
He discusses the same with Ikuo, whom he chooses to work with. There he reveals that soon after, Shun sent him a text saying that his mood was down due to the chaotic group conversation happening before the shift announcement. He wanted to work with him but felt that in that emotional state, he wouldn’t be able to. It still baffles Dai since he thinks that Shun should have behaved in a different way instead.
Once Dai comes back from the shift, Shun tries to explain but their conversation goes the other way, as Dai expected him to apologize. Shun then consults Taeheon about it, who makes him realize that even if he doesn’t want to apologize for not raising his hand (as it’s his choice), he should still do it as his actions hurt Dai. Shun then seeks Dai again and simply apologizes, which brings an instant smile to Dai’s face.
Later in the night, the cast members try to open up with each other by drinking together. They discuss their coming out stories and how each of their parents reacted. Ryota revealed that he came out to his parents right before coming to the show and they surprisingly took it well. On the other hand, Taeheon consults others since he hasn’t come to his parents yet. He shares how his parents are divorced and he lived most of his life either with his grandparents or on his own.
He fears that they still think of them as the child that they separated from and might not take it well. The cast members advise him that regardless of what their reaction is, he should be true to himself and find his own happiness in life. With the honest conversations going on, Ikuo gathers the courage to ask Kazuto for a private chat, in front of everyone. He once again professes his feelings and asks for Kazuto’s answer.
Kazuto then replies that he finds Ikuo’s personality quite different when compared to in private and in a group situation. After much deliberation, he says that he’s not the one for him, as Kazuto doesn’t feel that they are compatible. Soon after their conversation, Ryota calls out to Kazuto seeking the answer to his confession as well. Kazuto responds that while he feels comfortable with him, there are no romantic feelings.
Thus, he just wants to be friends instead. Ryota seems to take it better than Ikuo and thanks him for being honest. After the emotionally charged night, the next day the coffee truck remains closed and the cast is given a chance to go on a final private date. Similar to the last date rule, those who write each other’s names would go out.
Unexpectedly, for the first time more than one couple is able to go on a date. Firstly, Dai and Shun are confirmed, followed by Kazuto with Alan and thirdly, Ryota and Gensei are revealed. The three matched-up couples are sent to different locations for an overnight date. Kazuto and Alan simply relax at a glamping place, chatting and grilling BBQ. Kazuto also seems to be comfortable with him and appreciates that Alan has toned down compared to their previous date.
Gensei and Ryota are sent to a glass work studio, where they make glass ball necklaces for each other. Followed by a date in a cafe and then having dinner together at the house. Here, Ryota acknowledges Gensei’s efforts and somewhat promises to reciprocate. Meanwhile, Dai and Shun are sent to a seaside place. They spent most of their time inside, talking with each other.
Coming on a private date seems fruitful for them as they honestly bare their hearts to each other. Ultimately, at night time, their intense feelings are quite palpable as Shun moves into Dai’s bed to sleep together. Overwhelmed with the closeness, Dai doesn’t seem to catch his breath and keeps looking at Shun, endearingly. Eventually, the building-up tension breaks with Shun begins to kiss Dai, passionately. The episode ends with the camera panning out to the moon in the sky.
Final Thoughts on The Boyfriend Episodes 7-8
Throughout the two episodes, the only thought in my mind was, “Somebody please give Kazuto a break.” From working almost every day on the coffee truck to being confessed multiple times in a row, he needs to have some chill days to clear his mind. Especially considering that he came to the show to mostly make friends, it doesn’t seem like he will be pairing up with anyone but is trying not to hurt anyone’s feelings.
If Usak had been till the end, there was a chance that they would have tried to see where it goes, as their personalities are quite similar. But in the current scenario, he might bid bye to everyone as a friend. Secondly, I was rooting for Gensei to be acknowledged but Ryota coming back to him after being rejected just feels like clinging to whoever is left.
Compared to the previous episodes, Shun’s personality was revealed a bit more. It showed him as a flawed person, trying to make sense of his own feelings while also dealing with the scars of the past. But as long as he doesn’t disregard Dai’s sincere feelings while also keeping him wrapped around his fingers, I guess I would root for them.
He definitely is the epitome of a ”black cat boyfriend” with his nonchalant persona most of the time. But once they express, it’s all the more special for their partners. Meanwhile, Dai has the golden retriever energy who waits around for Shun to come along. With only two episodes left, it remains to be seen if anyone couples up or everyone leaves as friends.
Rating: 3.5/5
The Boyfriend is available to stream on Netflix. New episodes 9-10 will be released on July 30, 2024.
Also Read: The Boyfriend Episodes 4-6 Review: Tangled Up Feelings
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