i have read stories where the mc ended up with their past bullies, but i had no problems with said stories bc the author never tried to write off their relationship as wholesome and "just a misunderstanding". they were toxic, and the characters were twisted. in this case, the author really tried to write off the bullying as something insignificant that never really affected mc's psyche and trust issues (at least to a prominent degree). and the redemption arc was basically an indirect apology and not even a sad backstory. "they were in love with each other all along"? FUCK THAT. if you're not even gonna make a decent attempt at a story with bullying elements, don't even try.
i have read stories where the mc ended up with their past bullies, but i had no problems with said stories bc the author never tried to write off their relationship as wholesome and "just a misunderstanding". they were toxic, and the characters were twisted. in this case, the author really tried to write off the bullying as something insignificant that never really affected mc's psyche and trust issues (at least to a prominent degree). and the redemption arc was basically an indirect apology and not even a sad backstory. "they were in love with each other all along"? FUCK THAT. if you're not even gonna make a decent attempt at a story with bullying elements, don't even try.