Aoshima-kun wa Ijiwaru- Episode 1

Sparks, Surprises, and a Pretend Romance

This week's episode of Aoshima-kun wa Ijiwaru had us swooning, laughing, and holding our breath with its delightful mix of workplace drama, emotional moments, and unexpected twists. Here’s a rundown of what went down in this rollercoaster of an episode:

Yukino, our ever-diligent and independent heroine, remains dedicated to her work, often taking on extra responsibilities to maintain peace in her office. Her world, however, feels a little shaky after a recent heartbreak—her ex brutally revealed he wasn’t on the same page about their future and had already moved on. Yukino’s emotions are still raw, and she’s determined to focus on work to avoid confronting the pain.

Meanwhile, Aoshima, the charismatic star of the department, effortlessly commands attention. With his good looks and cool demeanor, he’s admired by his coworkers, especially the women in the office. Despite working in the same company, Yukino and Aoshima had never crossed paths—until a chance meeting at the office left Yukino thinking he was rude, prompting her to dismiss him entirely.

Later that evening, fate intervenes again when they bump into each other at Yukino’s favorite bar. Their conversation takes an unexpected turn when Yukino remembers her looming obligation to attend a friend’s wedding with a "boyfriend"—except her breakup six months ago left her without one. In a moment of panic, she asks Aoshima to step in as her pretend boyfriend. To her astonishment, he agrees without hesitation.

The next day, office gossip runs wild as Yukino discovers Aoshima has been spreading rumors about their “relationship” to fend off his admirers. Though annoyed, she eventually agrees to go along with it in exchange for his help at the wedding. As part of their cover story, Aoshima suggests a practice date, but Yukino awkwardly declines, claiming she has other plans. She later changes her mind and heads to a seminar, only to find Aoshima showing up beside her, unbothered by her attempt to avoid him. The pair ends up spending the day together, choosing a tie for the wedding and sharing a surprisingly natural connection.

At the wedding, Yukino nervously awaits Aoshima’s arrival, but when he shows up looking dashing in a suit, he makes an unforgettable impression on her friends. Their teamwork and playful banter sell their act as a couple, and the day ends on a high note. On the way home, Aoshima notices Yukino struggling with painful blisters from her shoes and takes care of her, a tender moment that begins to thaw her guarded heart.

The episode’s final moments are a mix of charm and surprise. On Yukino’s birthday, Aoshima learns through a coworker that she’s working late and decides to check on her. He finds her searching for a lost earring, and together they retrieve it. As the clock strikes midnight, Aoshima wishes her a heartfelt happy birthday—and just when we thought the night couldn’t get more surprising, he leans in for a kiss, leaving Yukino completely flustered.

DramaZen's Opinion

This episode was an absolute treat for fans of romantic tension and character development. Yukino’s vulnerability and Aoshima’s surprising mix of charm and mischief create a dynamic that keeps us hooked. Their interactions—whether humorous, awkward, or heartfelt—felt natural and believable, making us root for them even more. The pacing was excellent, with the pretend relationship trope executed perfectly to set up their budding connection.

Aoshima’s care for Yukino, from bandaging her blisters to his unexpected birthday gesture, gave us all the feels. And that kiss? Let’s just say we’re eagerly counting down to next week to see how Yukino handles her growing feelings for the infuriatingly endearing Aoshima.

This episode strikes the perfect balance of humor, heart, and romance. The chemistry between the leads continues to build, and the plot leaves us eager for more. Don’t miss this one!