School Trip Season 2 Episodes 1–2 Review: Hioki and Watarai Are Back
The Binge Team- October 25, 2026
Season 2 of School Trip: Joined a Group I’m Not Close To ( 修学旅行で仲良くないグループに入りました2) pulled me out of my comfort zone in the best way, bringing a fresh change of pace to the high school romance we already love. Now that the boys are in their senior year, a new semester and a new classroom assignment turn their comfortable little world upside down. Our favorite couple, Asahi Hioki (Kodai Fujimoto) and Tsukasa Watarai (Kan Hideyoshi), are separated, leaving Hioki without the person he's grown so comfortable having by his side, while Watarai is assigned to Class 5.
Feeling lonely and out of place in his new classroom, Hioki struggles with being apart from his favorite person. Meanwhile, Watarai takes his possessive love to a whole new level, determined to stay close to Hioki no matter what. Picking up right where Season 1 left off, this new season looks at the pressure of preparing for university entrance exams, the insecurities that come with being in an established relationship, and the jealousy that resurfaces when unexpected people from the past show up.
If you were rooting for these two in Season 1 of School Trip: Joined a Group I'm Not Close To, this season is a must-watch! And even if you're new to their story, fans of Japanese BLs like I Can't Reach You and My Summer of You, especially those who love high school romance and cozy slice-of-life stories, will find plenty of reasons to fall for this one.
School Trip Season 2 Premiere Review (Episodes 1-2)
I was drowning in butterflies from the very first episode, and the comedic timing made it even better! Watching Hioki struggle to fit into a new classroom full of unfamiliar faces brought back all that high school awkwardness for me. But seeing Watarai hover around Hioki's classroom door during every break? That was pure serotonin!
Episode 2 gave us more of those sweet couple moments I can't get enough of. What started as a quiet study session turned into some seriously intense hand-holding under the desk, with Watarai shooting protective, almost jealous looks across the classroom in between. And the comedy was just as good! Hotta (Kairi Shimizu) and Morisaki (Masaya Sakuragi) were clearly shocked to see just how petty and jealous Tsukasa Watarai could get when Asahi Hioki started talking to his new classmates. Honestly, watching Watarai get this jealous over Hioki was both hilarious and adorable!
Then came the big shocker just before the credits rolled at the end of Episode 2. As the boys settle into their new routine, Watarai's former girlfriend, Tama, suddenly appears. Watarai freezes the moment he sees her, leaving us with a dramatic cliffhanger that immediately made me want the next episode!
But before that unexpected twist, we got the sweetest birthday date at a theme park. It went by so quickly that I was left wanting more! Hioki's cute, thoughtful reaction to Watarai's gifts was such a lovely moment, especially because Watarai remembered all those little details about him. Seriously, the way these two pay attention to the smallest things about each other makes my heart melt.
Looking Back at School Trip Season 1
Looking back at Season 1, I can see why this adaptation became such a hit with us. The first season gave us a grounded, heartwarming take on the forced-proximity trope, bringing Asahi Hioki and Tsukasa Watarai closer during a bus trip. That experience helped build the trust between them and laid the foundation for their relationship. Now that they're finally a couple, it's lovely to see them get closer in their own little world, even as new challenges come their way.
School Trip Season 2 Episodes 1–2 Verdict
I'm still not over that ending! The moment Watarai's ex-girlfriend suddenly showed up at the end of Episode 2, I was practically yelling at my screen. I need to know what happens next!
What I love about this BL is that it doesn't rely on cheap drama or simply recycle the usual romance tropes. Instead, it touches on the real insecurities teenagers face, the importance of communication and boundaries, and the possessiveness that can come with first love. Watarai's jealousy can be both funny and intense, but it also makes me curious about how he'll handle his feelings as their relationship faces new challenges.
And honestly, the chemistry between Asahi Hioki and Tsukasa Watarai is one of my favorite things about this series. Whether they run into each other in the hallway, exchange a quick glance, or share a brief touch, there's always a little spark between them. Even the smallest moments feel special, and I can't help smiling whenever they're together.
✦ Watch This If You Loved
Fans of Japanese BLs with cute couples, jealous boyfriends, and high school romance should definitely give School Trip: Joined a Group I'm Not Close To Season 2 a watch.
Looking for more BLs like School Trip Series? Check out our similar picks:
Drama Info
TitleSchool Trip: Joined a Group I’m Not Close To Season 2 (2026)
Total Episodes10 (Ongoing)
Review1-2 Episodes
CountryJapan
Genre BL · Romance
Release DateOct 18th to Dec 20th · 2026
Stream
🎬 Viki
Main Cast
Fujimoto Kodai
Hioki Asahi
Kan Hideyoshi
Watarai Tsukasa
MAB Score8.9/10Overall Rating
8.9/10
Overall Rating
Story
Acting
Chemistry
Cinematography
How we rate dramas
The MAB ScoreEvery drama we review gets two scores from the MAB binge team. A MAB Score and a Rewatch Score. Here is how both work.
MAB Score
out of 10
Our overall rating for the drama. We look at everything that went into it.
Acting
Chemistry
Story
Cinematography
Emotional Impact
Rewatch Score
out of 10, with a reason
Separate from the MAB Score because a drama can be a 9.5 and still be something you just cannot bring yourself to put on again. We always give a short reason so you know what you are getting into.
Below 6 on the Rewatch Score? Not putting it on again.
What the numbers mean
8.5 - 9+
Do not sleep on this one. Watch now.
We watched it and loved it. Genuinely a must watch.
6 - 8
Good. Worth it.
Mostly we find these genuinely worth your time. Read the full review, check if the genre or cast is your thing, and go for it.
Below 5
Dropped or skipped.
We will tell you why. Sometimes there is still a reason to check it out, especially if you love the cast. The review will say.
Personal opinions from whoever on the team watched it. Not a formula, just a genuine take.