This archetype colors every romantic pairing he is placed in. A Meguri romantic storyline is rarely about grand, conquering gestures. It is about the shared glance across a crowded rehearsal room, the clasped hands during elimination night, the whispered "You did well" that carries the weight of a thousand unsaid confessions. Within the Produce 101 Japan and broader trainee fandom, three romantic pairings dominate the narrative landscape. Each explores a different flavor of love and conflict. 1. Meguri x Junki Kono (MeguriJun): The Forbidden Trainee Romance The most popular and emotionally fraught of Meguri’s romantic storylines is undoubtedly with Junki Kono , who went on to debut in JO1. In fanon (fan-created canon), the Meguri x Junki arc is a star-crossed lovers narrative set against the brutal machinery of the survival show.
This article dives deep into the most prominent Meguri Minoshima relationships and romantic storylines, examining how fans have constructed elaborate narratives around his friendships, rivalries, and silent moments. We will explore the "ships," the unspoken tensions, and the romantic arcs that have made Meguri a muse for a dedicated corner of the fandom. Before dissecting specific relationships, one must understand Meguri’s role in fan-created romantic canon. Unlike the flashy center or the rebellious bad boy, Meguri occupies the archetype of the "Almost Lover" — the boy who is fiercely loyal, quietly talented, and always just one step away from the final confession or the final debut stage. His romantic storylines are thus tinged with mono no aware (the bittersweetness of transience). He is the childhood best friend who doesn't get the girl (or the boy) at the end of the movie. He is the second lead in a K-drama, whose goodness makes the audience ache.
During Produce 101 Japan , Syoya was known for his bright smile and occasional clumsiness. Meguri was consistently seen helping younger or more anxious trainees. In one behind-the-scenes clip, Meguri is fixing Syoya’s jacket collar—a gesture that launched a thousand fanfics. Meguri Minoshima kissing sex that will melt you...
In the sprawling universe of J-pop survival shows and the subsequent rise of global boy bands, few figures have inspired as rich a tapestry of fan-created romantic lore as Meguri Minoshima . Best known for his time on Produce 101 Japan (Season 1) and as a former trainee under Yoshimoto Kogyo, Meguri exists in a fascinating liminal space: not a final member of JO1, but an unforgettable fan-favorite whose journey was defined by powerful interpersonal bonds. For fans and fanfiction writers, Meguri is not a solo act; he is a node in a web of “what-ifs,” a character whose romantic storylines are less about canonical truth and more about emotional resonance, loyalty, and the ache of almost-love.
Whether he is holding Junki’s hand in a rain-soaked finale AU, making breakfast for Syoya in a domestic fanfic, or locked in a passionate rivalry with Ruki, the "Meguri" of romantic fanon is a beautiful impossibility—a boy made of kindness and "what ifs." And as long as survival shows exist and fans dream of alternate endings, Meguri Minoshima will continue to be one of the most compelling romantic figures in J-pop fandom history: the one who loved, lost, and loved still. This archetype colors every romantic pairing he is placed in
On Produce 101 Japan , Ruki and Meguri were often in direct competition for the same "concept evaluation" slots. They rarely interacted on camera, but eagle-eyed fans noticed them standing stiffly next to each other in group photos—not hostile, but hyper-aware.
On the show, Meguri and Junki shared a dormitory and several performance teams. Their interactions were subtle: a comforting pat on the back after Junki’s vocal practice, Meguri’s small smile when Junki led a group discussion. Fans latched onto these crumbs, weaving them into a grand romance. Within the Produce 101 Japan and broader trainee
Enjoy these stories as art. Respect the real Meguri’s privacy. And remember—the most romantic storyline of all is the one you imagine for yourself.