"Admirable": The Boyfriend fans react to Ikuo's love letter to Dai

Netflix's The Boyfriend, Japan's first-ever same-s*x dating reality show aired the final episode of its first season on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. The final episodes saw the nine contestants have heartfelt and deep conversations with each other.

Dai and Ikuo had one such conversation during episode 9 as they worked their shift at the coffee truck. At the time, Ikuo confessed his feelings for Dai to him. He told Dai that he didn't like seeing him being "treated badly" by Shun and added that he would "always treasure" Dai. However, he seemed to understand that the latter was with Shun and that it wasn't the right time for them.

Fans of The Boyfriend took to X to react to the conversation between Dai and Ikuo, with many claiming that they were impressed with how Ikuo expressed himself. They also praised Dai for the way he handled and responded to his castmate's confession.

"Ikuo’s confession was admirable. He wanted to be true to his heart irregardless of the outcome. Ikuo didn’t like seeing Dai sad or tossed around by Shun and he felt Shun treated him badly. I like Ikuo, but it’s just wrong timing. Dai’s heart belongs to Shun #TheBoyfriend," one fan wrote.

Fans also said that they didn't think the confession wasn't "weird" but it was "completely good" as it was a dating show and people were entitled to their feelings.

"I don’t get why people a weird out but the confession from ikuo. I find it even completely good that he did that. This a dating show. Everyone is entitled to have feelings for anybody. So what’s the problem with that. He knew that Dai will not choose him anyway #TheBoyfriend," a fan commented.

"Finally watched it. Ikuo's confession!!! D*mn pure and I loved it. He really cared for Dai. I wish he gets his person too. #TheBoyfriend," a tweet read.

Some The Boyfriend fans chimed in on Dai's response to Ikuo as many said that his "respectful rejection" was a lesson for people on "how to decline a love confession." They called him "considerate" and a "man with integrity and loyalty."

"Dai’s respectful rejection of Ikuo was a lesson to every young person on how to decline a love confession or someone asking to pursue you in the most considerate manner. Take notes. I can’t believe Dai is 23, like how is he so mature?!No wonder Ikuo fell for him too #TheBoyfriend," a person wrote.

"dai’s love for shun is unwavering. the fact that somebody confessed to him, he didn’t have any doubts or uncertainties. he made himself clear to ikuo without invalidating his feelings or disrespecting him. what a man with integrity and loyalty #TheBoyfriend #DaiShun," a fan commented.

"at this point, i'm not in a place where i can see myself with anyone other than shun." dai really handled this situation so well! he was able to respectfully reject ikuo while also being honest w/ his feelings. is there only one dai? :((((( #theboyfriend #shundai #daishun," a tweet read.

The Boyfriend season 1 fans also called Ikuo "one of the purest" people as others said that they hoped he found someone and was able "to confess successfully."

"Ikuo is definitely one of the purest. Look how he first want to make sure Dai is happy before he finally confesses and move forward from his feelings for him. #TheBoyfriend #DaiShun," a person wrote.

"ikuo chose dai knowing he had no chance of reciprocated feelings, but to be able to express your feelings outright + know you did all you could is refreshing, allowing you to accept and move on. i hope ikuo finds someone and is able to confess successfully. #TheBoyfriend," a fan commented.

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"I'll always treasure you": Ikuo confesses his feelings to Dai in The Boyfriend episode 9

In The Boyfriend episode 9, Ikuo chose Dai as his partner for his shift at the Coffee Truck and afterward, the two had a conversation as Ikuo wanted to clear the air. Earlier in the episode, Ikuo had tried to help resolve issues between Dai and Shun but his plan didn't work as Dai was upset and didn't understand why Ikuo did so.

During the conversation after their shift at the Coffee Truck, Ikuo explained to The Boyfriend star that he only meant to look out for Dai. He then revealed that there was another reason for him to have done that. The cast member told him that while everyone thought Ikuo still had feelings for Kazuto, he was over the latter

Ikuo told Dai that he needed to tell the person he had feelings for and said the person was Dai. He added that he wrote a letter for The Boyfriend star and proceeded to read it out loud.

"It's hard to say things sometimes, so I decided to put my thoughts in writing. I have a question. Are you happy now?," Ikuo said.

He added that he was happy when they met because they were the same age, and thought he and Dai were compatible as the latter was funny. He recalled the go-kart contest and said that although he picked Kazuto for a date, Ikuo had Dai in the "back of" his mind.

The Boyfriend cast member added that he took a step back because he saw Shun and Dai get closer. He also noted that comparatively, Dai was a better match for him than Kazuto.

"I saw you being treated badly in a way I would've hated if it were done to me. I'll never let you feel anxious, I won't let you feel bad. I'll always treasure you," he added.

Although Ikuo's sentiment touched Dai, he told the cast member that with Shun, he felt like he had found a long-term partner.

Fans took to social media to chime in on the situation and applauded both cast members for expressing themselves in episode 9.

All episodes of The Boyfriend are available to stream on Netflix.