"Shun is too important to me" — The Boyfriend star Dai rejects Ikuo in the finale

The Boyfriend, Japan's first dating show about same-s*x couples, concluded on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. While some contestants found love during their stay in the Green Room, others faced rejection and walked away having built memorable friendships.

One such participant was Ikuo, who confessed his love to castmate Dai in episode 9 but had his feelings rejected as their conversation seeped into episode 10. Dai said he couldn't reciprocate Ikuo's feelings, as he valued his connection with Shun more than anything else.

"It's not anything about you [Ikuo], but that Shun is too important to me," stated Dai.

Ikuo accepted Dai's rejection and commended his devotion to Shun. Although he previously stated that how Shun treated Dai upset him, Ikuo was ready to overlook the challenges they faced in their relationship. Having resolved his feelings, he left the show without a partner in The Boyfriend finale.

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Dai confessed he could not be with anyone but Shun in The Boyfriend finale

Ikuo joined the cast members in episode 6 of The Boyfriend. He immediately clicked with Dai, the man Shun fancied. Previously, Shun asked Dai to stop approaching him romantically, insisting they remain friends. He mentioned that his loud and outgoing personality overwhelmed him.

As a result, Dai distanced himself from Shun and reciprocated to Ikuo when the latter approached him. In the same episode, the cast members went on a picnic by the sea. Dai spent most of his time with Ikuo, upsetting Shun. However, Dai realized his detachment rekindled Shun's feelings for him, bringing Shun closer to him.

Ikuo shared a similar personality with Dai, which worried Shun. They were often seen doing household chores together. In the same episode, Dai revealed to castmate Ryota that he liked "Mr. Ikuo," stating he thought his personality and appearance were "endearing." As a result, Ikuo remained under the impression that Dai fancied him.

However, Dai quickly turned down Ikuo's affection after Ikuo professed his feelings in a heartfelt handwritten letter in The Boyfriend finale.

"At this point, I'm not in a place where I can see myself with anyone other than Shun. Thank you for everything today," said Dai.

When Ikuo asked Dai to be his "romantic partner," Dai was surprised. He struggled to internalize his feelings since he saw Ikuo previously express an interest in castmate Kazuto.

Dai stated that although their personalities clicked and they bonded well, he could not regard him as someone who was more than a friend to him.

"When you first arrived, I almost had a crush on you. You have a sparkle but also a manly side. You're good at household chores too. I thought, "Wow, he's great," you really captured my heart. But on the other hand, I also feel really comfortable around someone like Shun," said Dai.

He continued to explain how Shun comforted him, despite their differences. Although they looked like an incompatible couple, Dai clarified that the moments he shared with Shun were precious to him, as he did not feel that connection with any other housemate on The Boyfriend.

"It's been a long time since I could enjoy a comfortable silence with someone, and that's Shun," added Dai.

After Dai expressed where he stood with Shun, Ikuo realized that chasing Dai would be in vain. He accepted his rejection with a smile. The commentators watched their conversation and said Ikuo wanted a "clear rejection."

Later in the episode, Ikuo bid farewell to the houseguests and left the show with fond memories. In his final statement, he revealed how grateful he was for the experience. In the meantime, Dai and Shun professed their love to one another.

"This really changed my outlook on my future. Before coming here, I just did what was required. There was a part of me I hadn't explored. My life here has made me reconsider my own happiness and what I can do to live my best life," said Ikuo.

The show ended with two couples, Dai and Shun and Kazuto and Alan, leaving together.

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The Boyfriend is currently streaming on Netflix.