beta
(already read the novel currently main text done with 30 more epilogues to go) if the manhua follows true from the novel the violence is probably much worse than it seems in the drawings..
One thing for sure definitely Stockholm Syndrome. altho in the novel you could read some of Heewon's thoughts about being more slightly at ease with Kangwoo minus his crazy violent tendency side, than his mother or brother because of mixed feelings.
In the end MC stuck between a rock & a hard place made a rational decision & imo arguably personally for himself because of the above. but still cant deny the foundation of the relationship is still SS. but for me its fine (as a story) as I dont expect a healthy relationship when it involves psychopaths or atleast one of them.
Altho cant really tell if Kangwoo is really inlove except that he has high tolerance & cant kill Heewon, he made romantic gestures but its not the same with other novels with similar ML.. it doesnt scream love you to death crazy, just a cool & calm i like you and want you to stay in my palm kind.
main text end spoiler keys: MC has debts and ML is a psychopathic manipulator who doesn't mind scaring him as long he can keep him; tho ML gave him a choice but as i said the end situation is.. just keep in mind ML is handsome, can be gentle & thoughtful which some would already consider it romantic but he doesnt shy away from hurting his man; oh he also gave him a physical punishment at that scene.