THIS
I mostly agree with your take — Jo has always aligned with Ian’s goals, while TJ represents everything Ian is trying to leave behind. So yeah, unless the story pulls something totally unrealistic, Jo is clearly the endgame.
That said, I think some people still hold onto the idea of TJ not because it makes narrative sense, but because the emotional intensity between him and Ian is compelling. That kind of messy, tragic dynamic always draws people in, even if it’s not healthy or sustainable.
The real suspense isn’t about who Ian ends up with — it’s about whether he’ll finally let go of his past for good.
That's why, even if I prefer TJ x Ian, I want Ian with Jo becas they want a good life
And TJ needs a new uke who wants to life a gangster lifestyle!
This way, everyone will be happy!!ヾ(❀╹◡╹)ﾉ~
it's not that i didn't see jo as the main route, i just have major trust issues for real jo radiates major secondlead vibe than a main lead vibes tbh especially when he said "id do everything for you" and in stories like these, the assholes with a past with the mc will likely be the endgame. but at the same time, when analyzing jo's purpose in the story, IT JUST MAKE SENSE for him to be the endgame
I don’t understand people who think the endgame is so hard to predict, and that both male leads have an equal chance.
From the start, Jo gives main male lead vibes since his character aligns with the protagonist’s goal. So basically, he’s the only option. TJ is never an option because he represents everything Ian wants to run from.
What’s funny is that even if Jo wasn't in the picture, TJ still wouldn’t be an option. We know Ian and TJ will never work if TJ is still in the gang, and Ian is never giving up on his dream of living a normal life.
The only way TJ could’ve had a chance at being endgame is if he left the gang, but it’s too late for that, since the endgame will be revealed around halfway through season 3 (around chapter 20). Jo is clearly the endgame from the start. people need to stop pretending it’s hard to predict.