Aoshima-kun wa Ijiwaru- Episode 4
Confessions, Age Gaps, and Hot Spring Tension
This week’s episode of Aoshima-kun wa Ijiwaru gave us all the feels with heartfelt confessions, inner turmoil, and a steamy hot spring encounter that left us breathless. Let’s break down all the drama and awkward romance in Episode 4!
We pick up with Aoshima standing nervously on the bridge, waiting for Yukino’s answer to his confession. But true to her overthinking nature, Yukino brushes it off, assuming he must be teasing her again. She excuses herself, claiming she needs to finish work, leaving Aoshima flustered and unsure of how to respond.
The next day, Yukino shares the news with her ever-enthusiastic best friend, Takako, who is beyond excited. Yukino insists that Aoshima was just joking, but Takako isn’t convinced and pushes her to consider her own feelings. Yukino admits she was flattered but feels their nine-year age gap is too much of a hurdle. Takako, always the voice of reason (or mischief), tells her to stop running from her emotions and think about what she really wants.
Despite wanting to unwind, Yukino avoids her favorite bar out of fear of running into Aoshima. Meanwhile, Aoshima confides in his “moms” at their bar, admitting that his teasing may have backfired. They call him a fool for not being straightforward from the start. When he reveals the age gap, they tease him even more, calling Yukino "unattainable" because of it.
At home, Yukino spirals into an internet deep dive about age-gap relationships. She starts questioning why she’s so determined to keep her life simple and romance-free. Is she protecting herself from disappointment, or is she just afraid to take a leap?
The next day at work, Yukino awkwardly bumps into Aoshima in the elevator. The small talk is stiff, but just before he exits, Aoshima apologizes again and tells her she can tell everyone they broke up if she wants, and he’ll respect her wishes. Before the doors close, he turns back one last time and firmly says, “My confession wasn’t a joke.” And just like that, Yukino is left stunned and speechless.
Later, the office is buzzing about an upcoming work trip to a hot spring resort in Yugawara. While Tanizaki grumbles about having to work over the weekend, Kimura is excited because her boyfriend will be meeting her for a date afterward. Tanizaki casually suggests Yukino bring Aoshima, but she brushes it off, assuming he’s too busy. Little does she know, Tanizaki spills the details to Aoshima, planting the idea in his head.
At the resort, Yukino is fully focused on work, coordinating promo sample distribution like a pro. But Aoshima’s surprise arrival throws her off balance. His first remark? Complimenting how cute she looks in her cat-ear headband. Flustered but determined to stay professional, Yukino works tirelessly without taking a break, until Aoshima steps in to help. His good looks naturally attract attention, and the Blue Punch drinks disappear in no time.
After the chaos, Yukino plans to relax at a nearby hot spring for the night, but duty calls when Tanizaki forgets a batch of promo items. Aoshima, ever the gentleman (and opportunist), offers to help carry them to her hotel. He casually mentions that he’ll be staying overnight too and offers to help carry everything back the next morning.
Later, Yukino realizes she never properly thanked him, while Aoshima debates whether to text her for drinks but decides not to disturb her. Fate, however, has other plans as they run into each other outside the hot springs. The atmosphere is thick with awkward tension as they make small talk, but Yukino, finally taking a leap, invites him back to her room for drinks.
In typical Yukino fashion, she overthinks the situation and starts offering him random gifts to ease the awkwardness. But Aoshima, tired of her evasiveness, pulls her closer and says, “I won’t let you use alcohol as an excuse.” He gently removes her glasses and kisses her, leaving Yukino completely stunned.
DramaZen's Opinion
This episode was packed with emotional depth and growing romantic tension between Yukino and Aoshima. Yukino’s inner conflict over the age gap and her fear of stepping outside her comfort zone felt relatable and realistic. Meanwhile, Aoshima’s sincerity finally started to shine through as he grappled with his feelings and took things more seriously.
The hot spring setting was the perfect backdrop for their evolving relationship—creating a mix of heart-fluttering moments and awkward tension that we love so much. Aoshima’s back-and-forth between teasing and sincerity keeps us hooked, and that final kiss? Absolutely swoon-worthy!
With Aoshima finally laying his feelings bare, Yukino is left at a crossroads. Will she take a chance, or will her insecurities keep her running? Next week’s episode is bound to be a must-watch!
