I think some parts of the story could do with more polishing but overall I really like the story. There's a good balance between serious/thoughtful and humor. And it's a bit too focused on the main relationship compared to the action/plot for my taste (Gwangwoo pls do /sth/) but I love how the characters are explored, especially Nakwon (he also gets extra points for being a bitchy top with long lashes).
He's a manipulative bastard that's used to doing whatever he wants and not caring about anyone else. He actively seeks out Mokhwa's weaknesses and exploits them for his gain. And I love that even when he does realize his feelings and wants to be on his best behavior, his manipulative nature doesn't just go away. His change of heart doesn't suddenly make him an entirely different good person. He still both consciously and unconsciously tries manipulating Mokhwa. There are times when he thinks he's being reasonable, like doing sth nice but thinking that it should be rewarded or his outbursts. And times when it's deliberate, like trying to make himself more pitiable or his main motivation for wanting to capture Gwangwoo - it's not morality or Mokhwa's feelings but his own selfish desire to keep Mokhwa. It's also kind of endearing to watch him be confused about his own feelings and bad at handling relationships, since before Mokhwa he never cared about someone or regretted his decisions. His whole mood changing just based on their relationship is cute (I might have a weakness for blushy tops). He's egoistic, moody and arrogant and I love him for that honestly.
I also like how the rape scenes were handled. It isn't the prelude to their relationship, they don't become closer because of it, on the contrary it keeps them further apart. There is a clear divide and difference between Nakwon when he intends to rape Mokhwa and when he's seeking intimacy, with the former being driven nearly entirely by his need to harm, humiliate and dominate. It's good to see Nakwon being aware of how he hurt Mokhwa and in some ways even more than Mokhwa himself. He's actually lamenting that Mokhwa should be more concious of how he hurt him not only physically but also mentally. He notices the consequences (like Mokhwa tensing when he touches him), regrets it and he tried punishing himself for it. And the narrative doesn't try to use that as a get-out-of-jail-free card - he's still flawed, still regretting, still working on the relationship. It was also great that in the latest chapters he realized that while the time he was seeking intimacy was different to him, it was still assault since Mokhwa didn't exactly consent.
The misunderstanding trope is getting a bit bothersome but I still like it. Their inability to communicate well is deeply rooted in the differences in their character, social skills and experiences.
I love this webtoon sm. They haven't even gone past making out and have one of the best sexual tensions ever. The author draws kisses so well. The scenes seem realistic - passionate and intimate. It's not just lips, it's their whole bodies, hands, tongues, teeth, noses.
ML: harasses the MC at work, sexually harasses the MC, can't control himself, is violent and mentally abusive
The comments: he's a green flag
?????
So I think I set my expectations too high... I heard a lot of good things about it, I know it's based on a novel and the art is pretty so I was expecting something better honestly Because aside from all the other nonsense, how come I could tell the plot twist from miles away but the skilled and intelligent agent who should be on his guard can't?? Like maybe it makes sense because he believes he knows more than he actually does but it's kinda irritating It's like he goes 'oh, something's fishy' and then ignores it or just ignores weird shit altogether, which makes him seem dense. At least he pointed some of it out in chapter 19 I guess. I'll probably read the novel just to see if it's executed better.
I read the novel so I can explain what's going on if you're confused. If you're looking for spoilers, you can DM me to ask whatever you want to know (to not spoil it for everyone else).
The main couple's relationship is quite healthy, they try to communicate clearly but it seems so forced... Like the author really wanted to portray that but it makes the dialogues and story feel stilted. And it's just boring. There's barely any conflict in it and it seems like the point of conflict shifts every few chapters, like disjointed moments in the character's lives and not a cohesive story. I mean racing is obviously the main catalyst but there are so many things going on at once yet simultaneously there's nothing happening really. I don't feel the stakes at all. And as someone pointed out the brother's behaviours seem contradictory??
Honestly I'm surprised by how good the reviews in the comments are. Like... it was fine for me but kinda mid. There was no part of it that really stood out to me - the plot, worldbuilding, romance and characterizations were ok but definitely could be improved. The best part was probably the MC, strong-willed and confident. I wish we got more of Jihyuk, he was such a strong presence in the beginning (ngl I'd probably rather have him with the MC but it didn't make me enjoy the main couple less), I found it strange how him and the MC seemed to drift apart. And the ML is fine but also could be way more developed, I didn't really get a good feel of his character or motivations. I also found his possessiveness and desire for sex kind of off-putting (at least the MC also commented on how strangely possessive and childish the ML is and it looked like the ML was gonna get better about it). That seemed like the main theme in the side stories so... uh, that was definitely not my favourite part of the series but the last story was cute at least. I'm also not a fan of the "I live because you live", maybe it could work for me if the romance was better developed but in general I don't like that kind of trope. Maybe I'd give it like a 7/10, it was interesting enough to keep me invested.
I dont feel like it's right to put all the blame on any of those two. They obviously find it hard to understand the other person since they have completely different backgrounds. I feel like it's actually conveyed pretty well, I like that. They have different priorities and different outlook on life and obv money. For Seungeon he prioritises love and he doesnt get how bringing up the topic of money is shameful for Jiwook. He never felt that shame, he never put any thought into the topic of money at all so naturally he doesnt get why it's such a touchy subject. Especially because for him it's easy to say "just dont care about it, ill pay for you" - its even his way of showing affection. He offers the money because he likes Jiwook and wants to take the burden of poverty off. He sees the problem of Jiwook's poverty as minor /because/ he can always just give him money. Its such an easy fix in his mind. But of course he acted selfishly, immature, dishonest and obv undermined Jiwook's efforts. I see Jiwook's reasoning as well. I just wish he could not put such an emphasis on the problem of money and especially the shame connected with it. Even going as far as being so embarassed by his father, its so sad. Also because silly boy, Seungeon doesnt care about that, hes not judging you for that.
Why are you complaining that he was straight (and a reminder: there are bi ppl) and was molested and now he's shopping for toys...? Thats literally the point? Its even explained - thats how hes coping with him trauma and he's trying to desensitizate (a process that diminishes emotional responsiveness to a negative, aversive or positive stimulus after repeated exposure to it). People cope with trauma in many different ways and this is the characters way, idk why you're complaining about that/shaming him... It really doesnt sit right with me since thats a real issue. Another reminder - you dont have to be gay to like anal.
They just match each other's freak