The second episode of the drama "Musashino Rondo," starring Masakado Yoshinori from the group A! group, aired on April 26, 2025. This captivating series, broadcast on TV Asahi, continues to draw viewers into the intricate web of love and rivalry.
"Musashino Rondo" tells the story of Ryuuhei Akawa (played by Masakado), who has harbored feelings for his neighbor, Tamaki Musashino (played by Takajo Rin), for over a decade. However, he struggles to break free from the confines of being seen as a 'younger brother' by Tamaki, who is ten years his senior. The arrival of a new love rival, Mamoru Iizuka (played by Inaba Yuu), ignites Ryuuhei's long-suppressed desires, prompting him to take action after years of unrequited love.
In the latest episode, Ryuuhei's jealousy flares when Iizuka, a charming yet complicated character, begins to show interest in Tamaki. This rivalry pushes Ryuuhei to confront his feelings head-on. In a bold move, he tells Tamaki that he wants her to consider him as a romantic interest, resulting in a surprising kiss. Overwhelmed by Ryuuhei's sudden advance, Tamaki responds, "I'll think about it," leaving the audience on the edge of their seats.
Meanwhile, Tamaki is invited to Iizuka's home for a lunch date, where she finds herself in a precarious situation that almost leads to another kiss. This unexpected closeness makes her momentarily forget about Ryuuhei, but upon returning home and encountering him, she is met with an awkward silence, highlighting the tension brewing between the three characters.
Ryuuhei learns from Tamaki's younger brother, Fumita (played by Takachi Yuugo), that she has been spending time with Iizuka, which only intensifies his feelings of urgency and frustration. Determined not to lose Tamaki to Iizuka, Ryuuhei insists on joining the dyeing lesson that Tamaki is scheduled to attend with Iizuka, hoping to win her heart.
On the day of the lesson, the dynamic becomes even more complicated. Tamaki, feeling caught between Ryuuhei, who has professed his love, and Iizuka, whom she is beginning to like, seeks refuge in her home with her friend Kana Yamanouchi (played by Ichikawa Yui). This moment of escape only adds to the tension as Ryuuhei and Iizuka are left alone, leading to a showdown over Tamaki's affections.
Social media buzzed with reactions to the episode, with viewers expressing their admiration for Ryuuhei's earnestness and the chemistry between the characters. Comments such as, "Akawa-kun, who is watching Tamaki and Iizuka, is cute. I get butterflies every time I watch it," and "The gap between his boldness and sweetness is amazing," reflect the audience's engagement with the unfolding love triangle.
Additionally, Fumita's own romantic struggles are highlighted in this episode. He grapples with lingering feelings for his ex-girlfriend, Sayako Nagamine (played by Tsujimi Wakako), after receiving a message from her. Fumita's emotional turmoil becomes palpable as he heads to confront Sayako, navigating his own complicated feelings while his sister is caught in her romantic entanglements.
As the love triangle intensifies, viewers can expect more dramatic developments in the next episodes. The interplay between Ryuuhei's straightforwardness and Iizuka's cunning charm promises to keep the audience captivated. With the stakes raised and emotions running high, the series is poised to explore the complexities of love, rivalry, and personal growth.
As the series progresses, the question remains: who will ultimately win Tamaki's heart? With each episode, "Musashino Rondo" continues to deliver a blend of heartfelt moments and thrilling drama, making it a must-watch for fans of romantic storytelling.
