At least it's not trying to paint it as this beautiful love story that has rape. The ML is awful and the author isn't hunting at any redemption story because that's not the point.
In-Seob's love became an obsession once he tied it to his guilt over his friend's death. This is definitely showing how much he's willing to tolerate because he just can't let go of the past.
I wouldn't be surprised if he goes from hating ML to saying he'll stay with the ML for penance to what happened to his friend. As this self flagellation. It wouldn't be out of character for him which makes this more of a tragedy than a love story.
It's so sad to watch. He knows he's just being hurt from this and knows ML won't let him go. I'm sure In Seob still loves him but this is the first time he's said he doesn't want to be around him.
Like a case like this needs to have law enforcement involved. But since In Seob is so isolated and the only people in his circle are people who are responsible for the success of the ML, makes it difficult for him to get out of the situation. This plot works because the ML is a celebrity.
It's worth a read but I wouldn't revisit it like I do with Unintentional Love Story.
Ed was actually the most likeable which is surprising for a seme. Mitch was fine and understandable until the whole "forget your ex that died and speed through therapy with me in the lead". It was very insecure and insensitive. Ed was obviously not ready and shaken up by it but it feels like the author also wanted to speed through to the end.
Rick from the beginning was a negative nancy. The first time we meet him, he's belittling Mitch's prospects. So for once, there was a second option in a BL that wasn't better than the first. So kudos to Pibi for that. He gave baby incels vibes and while he wasn't overly abusive, he made me VERY uncomfortable.
My heart doesn't usually skip a beat when reading romance. But my god...the ML is so smooth, kind, and supportive.
Same here.
He's a green flag but not boring. He's got his boundaries but respects yours. He flirty but not pervy.
And both of them have so much chemistry. Ugh...if someone has a link to an English translation of the novel, I'm here for it.
But I think the bottom is a little bit red flag
He's such a toxic mess. And In-Seob stays feeling guilty about still liking the guy knowing he's a piece of shit.
The ML's dark thoughts about In-Seob are pretty hot though, ngl
Agree and agree
Knowing the artist loves NBC Hannibal and ships Hannigram has me very excited for this.
And I'm glad they did the time jump for the MC to stop looking like a child but...they were in college. Idk why they didn't have him looking like that in the first place?
but thats how ppl in 80's looks like, so the adult era is in 90's that's make sense. especially how his father always force him to look neat
Moving the romance ahead before the brutality is what saves this BL and elevates it higher than the rest of the historical BL that has rape in it.
Both characters don't trust each other, one plans on killing the other, but they both catch feelings. When shit hits the fan, it makes sense now that rape would be included. It's portrayed as this tragic breakdown of what could've been and a betrayal.
With how the ML has responded so far and this isn't even the brutality yet, the only redemption is to kill himself. I feel like the author has foreshadowed this already. He carries a lot of guilt from the people he's had to kill, including strangers. I could imagine he couldn't handle himself if he killed the MC or drove the MC to off himself.
There are interesting places this could go.
Yup, I also think the same thing with Heeryang. He carries the bodies he has killed on his back. He doesn't enjoy killing whatsoever nor tries to brush everything under the rug. He recognizes them and carries on. He understands the lives he has taken are the rocks he is standing on to be in the position he is in. Thus he is also ready when his life is taken by someone who is far more strong and lethal than he is.
Except Yeonjo. Heeryang's natural instinct to survive turned off. His love is allowing Yeonjo to kill him. But Yeonjo couldn't. It's really poetic.