Feel like the only person like this, like jo is way healthier and better in my opinion
real
I never EVER root for the toxic relationship in these things (and I hate love triangles with a passion) but idk TJ and Ian's relationship just feels more authentic to me. Jo and Ian...idk it just feels there. Like Jo's just there to be the "good" option. He's flawless (well until that phone kick ) and feels presented as this perfect healthy option for Ian to finally be happy. But the emotional depth and complexity of Ian and TJ is just... And I feel like it's such a waste cause it's like they just need to TALK. Like. A lot. Love is all about what you can concede for the recipient of your feelings. Now can TJ concede his thirst for power? Idk...
Sorry I'm ranting, I'm never this passionate for these type of relationships your opinion is valid and totally understandable. I want to root for Jo so bad but well
Also I don't think TJ's boring. He has a lot more layers than 90% of these weirdo semes (side eyeing you Jaekyung). He shows room for genuine growth and change (accepting that love is about letting go and deciding to let go of Ian) His past actions are quite unforgivable though idk anymore tbh
Like Jo doesn't feel like a real person (I know it's a manhwa buuuut) he feels like a prop
I understand that perspective. They've known each other for 19 years and have a long-standing relationship. Jo and Ian's relationship is newer, and I don't see why a character needs flaws to be compelling. It seems that because TJ and Ian share a traumatic experience, they should be together, while Jo's lack of shared trauma disqualifies him. I don't believe that shared trauma automatically creates a deeper relationship.
I was thinking this exact thought, Jo haters just can’t seem to comprehend this though .
I agree, trauma bonding shouldn't be an excuse for a relationship. But flaws in a character makes them feel more human, more real, more relatable. Again I know this is a fictional story and all but art imitates life so
I find Jo to be a relatable character with flaws, unlike the similar flawed characters, TJ and Ian, often seen in BLs. I appreciate the refreshing change of pace offered by a character who doesn't appear to be as flawed.
I've never understood the appeal of stories where characters have pre-established relationships, but I've noticed that many BL readers tend to favor pairings where the seme and uke share a history. Perhaps people find comfort in familiarity, but I personally find it more exciting when two people meet for the first time and their relationship develops organically—stories of new love, rather than second chances. That's why I can't support TJ.
When readers defend TJ's actions based on his love for Ian, it seems strange to me because Jo didn't know Ian back then. I suspect that if Jo had known Ian for 19 years, he would have been just as supportive as TJ.
I don't get the hype around TJ. Honestly, I don't find him attractive, and his character's boring—just another typical BL seme, nothing special.