I agree with the general idea of smoking as a proxy for an unhealthy but addictive relationship, and I also thought he was throwing a pack of cigs away to represent a new start. But if you go back and compare the cigs, either Haesoo’s (red on top) or Joowon’s (pink band) it doesn’t match. I think he’s tossing that infamous lighter, which is all blue. Still a fresh start, getting rid of the detritus of yesterday, with a more satisfying ka- klang sound. (I’m pretty sure author likes us to examine all these juicy little details.)
What infamous lighter? Is it taku's? I think haesoo cigs was all blue in earlier chapters, he just started using the same brand as joowon after the break-up.
Yeah, Taku’s lighter, the one that pained Joowon to find on the floor of his car when HxT were making out. I saw a comment on here at some point that it was the lighter, so I looked back at the 3 things, and it would appear to actually be the lighter. Which surprised me, but then I thought back to when this chapter dropped there was still a little suspense as to whom he’d end up with, if anyone.
wait really?? imma have to go back and reinspect those panels lol
but i thought taku's lighter was special to him,, why would he give it to haesoo. there's no scene of him giving the lighter to hs either
For some reason, I thought he didn’t take it back as another way he could ingratiate himself to H, but I don’t think that actually happened. It is strange, though, for a soft pack of cigs to make that CLANG sound. It could be intentionally vague to drive speculation at the time chapter was released? Anyhow, I definitely felt anxious for Joowon at this stage of the story.
Haesoo quitting smoking as seen in this chapter where he tosses his pack of cigarettes is very symbolic!!
Here’s a really great thread I found on the meaning of his smoking habit, and how its connected with his relationship to Joowon: https://twitter.com/joohaes/status/1340598549944287232?s=21