
I think the last chapter was pretty clear about what the story was about. The mc wasn't in any abusive relationship he needed "growth" from. He just wanted reassurance from his boyfriend that he was still loved because he felt neglected when the bf was busy with his book.
It's actually really realistic. I like that the bf isn't perfect. He openly has flaws that the mc clearly knows about and accepts. He knows his bf is selfish and he's aware when he's being manipulated. It happens in real life. That doesn't mean any of it was done out of malice. His bf is just flawed, and human, and so is the mc.
yeah, this one wasn't for me
it's not a bad story by any stretch
but like.....it's just too unrealistic. people don't actually change like that.
i know way too many people locked down by absolute nightmare partners exactly like that to find it cute ig