It's Not Like That (Gangto)
Warehouse
Jesus christ I don't know what to make of this. On one hand, it's depressing as fuck and tragic but on the other I was morbidly invested in the story. To be honest, I didn't like the ending. Putting aside the fact that the Uke is clearly suffering from Stockholm Syndrome, it didn't feel like a happy ending or at the very least a bitter sweet one. It felt more like the characters were just like "fuck it, I guess I'm stuck with you now". To be honest it should've ended in tragedy with how things were. Also, I absolutely hate the "second couple" (if that's even a couple). One guy is quick to temper and treats his friend and others like shit while the other one is soft and can't muster up the courage to tell him enough. But, like the toxic main, they still end up together. (Little nitpick, but I think it's complete BS that the Uke forgot his past with Seme. Yes I know he technically "forced" himself to forget but still. That relationship was a major part of his high-school life.) All in all this was a strange but morbidly interesting read. Wouldn't recommend it for romantics though.
Ways of Parting
SLIGHT SPOILERS!️ This was a rollercoaster of emotions. This story kept twisting my heart in all kinds of ways. A lot of people are quick to hate on Taejoo for how he handled the breakup but honestly I felt myself sympathizing with him. Its a complex situation. I actually sympathized with all the characters in this story (except Youngwoo, he lost all my sympathy when it was revealed that his relationship with Taejoo started because of his gaslighting. He doesn't deserve love.) My biggest complaint isn't actually about the story itself but more about the tag/genre it's in. This is labeled as yaoi but aside from bare skin cuddling, there's nothing explicit. You don't even see anyone's dick. That aside, this was a well written story with well written characters. Would definitely recommend.
Jinx