I agree with your assessment. And especially about Souhei. I find I really can't like him, though I do feel for him. I think it is because he just isn't being honest with himself about what he wants and needs, hiding behind a pretense, and as a result of being too busy trying to be or pretending to himself not actually seeing what is going on. He's the type of person who's clueless about other people because he doesn't bother to look and rationalizes that choice.
You're analysis is perfect. You managed to bring out my exact thoughts. It's people like Souhei that brings out some sympathy but at the same time makes you feel he gets what he deserves...Because they rather stay wallowing in pity often self made, than actually find a healthy solution even if it's staring them in the face...
No, his pity is not self made. Unless you're saying discrimination against gay people who like to bde tied up is okay? Funny that you would be saying that on a manga about homosexuality, though. I like Souhei much better than Lucas. But at least Lucas isn't rapey.
What we are both disliking about Souhei is his disinclination to understand other people, not his being gay or wanting to be tied up. In fact he even lies to himself about that too as far as I could tell. At some point not bothering to try to understand and just telling yourself you're A) better off on your own, B) no one gets you anyway, C) just never did get people, or D) any combination or all of A B and C, is the same as being in the end a very self-centered person. That's because most people, even those who don't "get" others, do want to understand what motivates the people around them (if only in self-defense) and find others they CAN connect with.
Where did you get that from? You're seriously reaching because I wouldn't be reading Yaoi manga and manhwas if I were a bigot...Lucas is following his instructions. He didn't come up with it. Being tied up is a kink for some. I like it but for me doesn't come with baggage...You need to comprehend what you're reading. He wallows in his misery because Lucas isn't his past and hasn't warranted being labeled as others. Souhei isn't trying to understand his current partner and seems to be going with the flow. Matter of fact Lucas showed some reluctance and even worries about hurting him. Until this point he is requesting to be tied up not forced especially from Lucas...
Also, I don't think he really has a kink for bondage. It's more of a "bondage is easier and my I don't have to worry about being a dead fish" vibe I am getting from him. I am hoping Lucas can talk him into regular sex and show him he's not a dead fish and that'll help him get out of his head space.
Oh, and I kind of get Choko (I like that nickname lol). Still a virgin, because 1) scared of pain, 2) trust issues, and 3) worried that I will suck at it...as in being a dead fish because I don't know what to do. So (putting myself in his shoes) if my first boyfriend told me I was like a rock and basically sucked at sex, and then my second boyfriend said I was good...but that was only because they'd been tying me up...I can totally see where I'd be really insecure about sex. And while I might be a virgin, even I know if the sex is bad then the one on top is as much to blame if not more so than the one on the bottom . It's like dancing. If the person in the lead is good and knows what they are doing, they can direct an inexperienced dancer and it'll be great for both
...how to feel about this one...I love Lucas. ლ(´ڡ`ლ) Souhei is a sad character in a way...I want to feel bad for him but he pisses me off with his nonchalance...His friend is going to try something when he realizes what Lucas and Souhei have. Something feels off with his best friend...Guess I'll give it another chapter or two...