punchline: existential dread's manga / #smut(2)

this feels very much like if yamane ayano had transplanted her usual stories of man subjugated by uber-alpha man through rape and thrill into a historical fantasy, for better or for worse. the same recurring theme of rape fostering affection is prevalent. the same format of an epic drama/thriller/adventure that spin out trial after heart-pounding trial that test the protagonist's will and resolve to the limits. even the art, which is stunningly similar. even the recurring trope of the Unflagging Penis of Denial TM!! there is, however, an element i find fascinating. the seme's actions in chapter 2, where he allows the protagonist to dominate him and humiliate him in the same manner he did him in chapter 1 (which suits the theme and time period of this manga, actually, because it's about conquest and prisoners of wars), showcasing his willingness to overturn existing power dynamics - something ayano would never do with her (unflappable, sexually indomitable) semes.

Yiyoung may not have any particular technical talent, but, with his natural people skills, he's the only one who can effectively manage the mercurial moods of his zany, socially inept devmates. A botched project pitch leads to desperate measures, but has Yiyoung's last-ditch sexual proposition fallen on the ears of the wrong CEO? Reader, don't worry: animosity and crossed wires eventually give way to sickly sweet romance. Pretty standard boss-and-subordinate BL. For the standards of a webtoon, this is good. I wish I'd seen more of Kang's relationships with older women - I don't know if they convinced me with his departure from type. I want to know why he would have fallen for someone younger and of the same sex, given his past history. They could have spotlighted Yiyoung's business acumen and competence more often, or shown Kang unfulfilled in areas Yiyoung nurtures - I think that would have done it. Close to four stars for the first 30 or so chapters, then 3 when Yiyoung and Kang settle into an uncomplicated romance and the fluff stagnates everything