Responses
I wouldn't say they don't get together. It's open ended. But according to the side stories they do stay together. And I think that's ok. This is a story about the pain of war and childhood trauma that carries to adulthood and breaks relationships. I think they've both grown and suffered enough that whatever they decide they can make it healthy.
the twist that annette was actually the "beloved oppressor" to heiner was lowkey masterful. i appreciate how it was the musical piece that carried/represented the title of this manhwa. annette herself didn't oppress heiner but her music, which also symbolized heiner's obsession and highly romanticized image of her. just a really good callback to sthn so central to their (and especially heiner's) journey throughout the story.
i also love that this twist didn't diminish annette's suffering at all and the shit that heiner did to her. they were each other's beloved oppressor in dichotomous but tragic ways.
this manhwa definitely had its flaws but it's probably one of the first in its genre to have so much nuance and touch on the realistic aspects/ consequences of war. ALSO the main couple didn't get back together in the end!! that's actually so huge and refreshing, idc if they attempt dating again in the side stories. i applaud this author.