Duty First, Kiss Later

The Police Rivals to Lovers Romance I Needed

Japanese BL always hits differently with its unique storytelling, and Duty First, Kiss Later proves it once again. Set in a peaceful rural police station, the series focuses more on the everyday lives of its officers rather than solving major crimes, creating a cozy and refreshing atmosphere that perfectly complements the romance and comedy.

The story follows Takoi, a kind hearted 38 year old detective who is still single and enjoys unwinding with a drink after work. His complete opposite is Shiono, a younger and ambitious officer who seems to clash with him over every little thing. As if their constant bickering at work was not enough, they also live next door to each other in the police dormitory, making their hilarious enemies to lovers and neighbours to lovers dynamic even more entertaining. The age gap between them adds another layer to their relationship without ever feeling forced.

The first four episodes completely won me over. Takoi goes on a blind date, but Shiono’s jealousy gets the better of him, leading him to ruin the date before unexpectedly confessing his feelings and kissing Takoi. I never saw that coming, and it was the perfect way to kick off the romance. It was funny, sweet, and left me wanting more immediately.

But what really got me was the moment you start seeing just how much Shiono cares about Takoi. Imagine being a 38 year old guy, single, and completely convinced that you could never fall for someone like him. Then, little by little, he starts finding his way into your heart. He protects you, shields you, and when you are attacked, he puts himself in harm’s way and gets hurt trying to protect you. Then, despite all his fears, he finds the courage to stand in front of you and confess the feelings he has been carrying in his heart.

Honestly, how could you not be moved by that kind of love? If I were in Takoi’s shoes, that kind of love would make me question everything I thought I knew about myself. It could turn me from straight to gay without hesitation. Because when someone loves you that deeply, protects you that fiercely, and is willing to put himself in danger for you, maybe love stops being about gender and simply becomes about the person who makes your heart feel safe. That kind of love would absolutely melt me. ❤️

The acting is excellent, the cast fits their characters perfectly, and the chemistry between the two leads is incredible. The romance, comedy, banter, jealousy, and tension all come together so naturally that this series is impossible not to get addicted to.

If you are looking for a romantic comedy with mature characters, great banter, plenty of tension, and an exciting enemies to lovers journey in a unique police workplace setting, this is definitely worth watching.

This series is so good and addictive that I could binge watch all 10 episodes right now. What do you mean we have to wait another 7 days for the next episode? Why can’t Japan 🇯🇵 release two episodes a week? 😂

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Go for it Shiono-kun....we are rooting for you!!!

Kawaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiii....this will surely lift the blues...I love it

BL-Needle Score - 9. Very High BL-ness

This is a mix of Love is Poison, Old-Fashion Cup Cake and several other OTT-Hilarious-Adorable JBLs....this is almot sure to win hearts for the lighthearted, unadulterated fun it promises to be

Takoi is a kindhearted, super-popular, and a tad messy cop in his forties who is constantly clashing with his junior, handsome-colleague Shiono, who seems a stickler for rules and mostly stone-faced. As soon as a potential date walks into Takoi's life, Shiono throws all caution to wind and says the 'Sukida' word..... and then we are set for an adorable-hilarious-messy ride that promises to keep us smiling and going 'awwwwwww'.

Verdict: Watch this for the fluff and messy

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First impression

You can watch it on GagaOOLala: https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/8378/duty-first-kiss-later-2026

Japanese BLs just hit different sometimes, and this is definitely one of those times. Awesome acting and an interesting premise, I'm bought!
This series reminds me of another BL called "Love Is a Poison." Both have a similar vibe and have the storyline around law work.
Overall I really like it so far; I'm excited for more episodes.

Episode 1:
* It is so nice to see more mature Bls.
* I like the characters and the whole opposites attract thing. Takoi being a sweetheart older detective and Shiono being more of a blunt and straightforward kind of guy.
I sort of enjoy watching their bickering and little silent glances of microaggression.
* Most of the humor is pretty much typical Japanese humor with all of the exaggerated face expressions and that sort of stuff. Not bad or annoying necessarily, I just can never get used to them.

Episode 2:
* Yeah, Haruka got real creepy real fast. I'm never one to complain about a female side character who has feelings for one of the leads in BLs, but this one is just crazy.

Episode 3:
* I love seeing Heisuke slowly grow closer with Shiono.

Episode 4:
* When I first seen this series and learned that it's about police officers, I honestly thought it will be a bit more serious and have some crime and things of sorts mixed in. But after all, it is more of a lighthearted drama that is mostly focused on humor and romance, which I don't mind, but I do want more serious moments between them.
Maybe more of the work-related things: Takoi and Shiono working together on a case, especially with the whole good cop/bad cop they have going on.

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Partners in solving crimes, partners in life, JBL comedy is back!

I started this show mainly for Mister Shu which i had loved since Kamen rider more than 15y ago...and what can i say, up until now this show has been a blast.

It is cute, very funny, easy to watch, you do not feel bored at all and the 20 mins pass so quick. The chemistry is great not only when it comes to their acting but I aslo feel like they have great physical chemistry and a charm about their interactions that can only make you root for them to be partners in solving crime and...in life! The whole police office staff is great, adding the perfect amount of comedic relief and slice of life aspect and there is something very domestic about it all that I just love so much. I'm also very appreciative with some of the deepest moments and I can already feel that they're about to grow together as people but also as members of the police staff.

Very good, japanese BL is truly back with this one, I recommend this feel good comedy drama when you feel blue!

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