"Had good intentions"— The Boyfriend fans react to Ikuo interfering in Dai and Shun’s relationship

The Boyfriend wrapped up season one of the first-ever Japanese same-s*x dating reality show on Friday, July 30, 2024, with episodes 9 and 10. During the segment, Dai and Shun were once again at odds after they returned from their overnight date, but Dai was unsure why Shun was upset with him.

Ikuo, who later confessed to having feelings for Dai, wanted to be supportive and spoke to Shun about why he was upset. He convinced the cast member to talk to Dai, although Shun noted he wanted to talk with everyone present. Dai was unhappy with the interference although he knew Ikuo had good intentions.

Fans of the show took to social media to react to the conversation and also believed Ikuo's suggestion didn't come from a bad place. Chiming in on the situation, one person wrote on X:

"ikuo definitely had good intentions and i understand what he was tryna do, but with the type of relationship dai & shun have and the type of person shun is i fear it was a recipe for disaster #TheBoyfriend"

A netizen reacts to Ikuo's actions (Image via X/ @rkivezzn)

"In the entire show, at no point have I seen Dai as tense, serious, and angry as he is in this moment. He was really upset that Ikuo had gotten involved in their issue, he was worried that Shun had felt pressured to talk. He knows that Shun needs his space #TheBoyfriend #DaiShun," a fan commented.

"Ikuo my best boy, you did nothing wrong, all you wanted to do was help #Theboyfriend," a tweet read.

The Boyfriend fans felt that Dai's firm response to Ikuo for talking to Shun was a result of him being worried about Shun feeling "pressured":

"Dai was really nervous seeing Ikuo talking to Shun. He was worried that Shun would feel pressured and overwhelmed, or that Ikuo would say something that would put Shun in a negative or sad mood. Even "sulking" Dai still looks out for Shun. That's so sweet #TheBoyfriend #DaiShun," a person wrote.

"Ikuo trying to get shun and dai talk out their little fight is me when my intrusive thoughts win because their little relationship issues stay f***ing with the vibe of the house #theboyfriend," a fan commented.

"i think dai is being insensitive and selfish. ikuo and everyone in the room are being affected of his relationship so, why react that way dude? at least ikuo have b**ls to actually talk to shun compare to you lol #theboyfriend," a tweet read.

The Boyfriend season 1 fans further said:

"it broke my heart when ikuo excitedly went to tell the group shun wants to talk thinking he did sumn good but instead dai got mad and when we later find out he likes dai makes it even worse bcs he was doing it to help dai and prob couldn't see him down/sad :(( #TheBoyfriend," a person wrote.

""Did u ask him to talk?" "Shun asked you?" ...that is the line to protect Shun. Dai knows Shun can't be forced to talk, and he frequently says, he needs perfect timing to talk with him. I know Ikuo has a good intention :( #TheBoyfriend," a fan commented.

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Ikuo talks to Shun about his relationship with Dai in The Boyfriend episode 9

In The Boyfriend episode 9, cast members Dai and Shun were at odds again and were unable to have a conversation to resolve their issues. Ikuo, who had been a sore point in Dai and Shun's relationship in the past, attempted to help the two resolve their issues by asking Shun what was bothering him.

Shun told The Boyfriend star that it was a "minor" detail and may not seem like a big thing for others. He added that he didn't want to talk about it. Meanwhile, Dai who was sitting outside with the other cast members stated that he didn't understand why Ikuo would talk to Shun.

Ikuo told Shun that the cast was worried about the two of them and felt Dai and Shun should have a conversation. To try and make Shun more comfortable, he said that if he wanted, the rest of The Boyfriend cast would be willing to be a part of the conversation. Shun agreed to the proposition but when Ikuo told the others about it, Dai was upset and asked him why he went and spoke to him.

Watching the episode back, fans of the show felt that although it may not have gotten the results Ikuo wanted, he had good intentions and was only trying to help Shun and Dai resolve their issues.

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Episodes of The Boyfriend are available to stream on Netflix.