4.6, though the plot at times felt quite silly I honestly think it’s a more pure story than normal for this genre. I’m not sure redemption arc fits this narrative so I’ll call it a glow-up arc which is essentially self explanatory. This glow-up arc was pretty well-intended, it was motivated by admiration and in the end we confirm that though it went out of its way to hide the past, the Uke reciprocates that admiration in the end. And their love is really cute. Love to see a bashful Seme now and again, without context you’d probably think he’s the uke. The art is great, very nice. My only grievance would likely be how abruptly it’s ended, I feel the pressure of hiding the past was dragged out a little long too but since it was a driving force to this plot (probably the purest misunderstanding-plot) I understand and forgo to that. I do wish it was dissected a bit more, for example having Jaehyun explain to Joo that the shame and disappointment he’s feeling is self loathing that he’d need to work through psychologically but that they could work on it together through their relationship. This could’ve led to a side story chapter in the future when they’re both older and a bit more mature (where the Seme has a new hairstyle IE the shower scenee where his hair was peak), where they’re seen as mutuals in a happy stable relationship showing they still can make each others heart race but they’ve clearly lived a happy life together getting to know each others habits etc. I could read this again if there were a smoother ending.
The Voice Next Door