I see a lot of comments about Ian being emotionally manipulated by Ray, but I thought Ray ...

It's true he was not manipulating him he was actually telling the truth finally to Ian people judge so easily without seeing wht actually happening in the story

thanks for replying, I thought I was missing a big piece of the story or something lol

Hahah ur welcome

That’s still emotionally manipulating him given the timing was to make his betrayal sympathetic. Raymond isn’t the only person who’s been screwed over and had their life ruined by those in a position of power, he’s relying on that commonality to soften Ian’s displeasure as Ian can empathize given Ian’s own life experience. Raymond should have revealed his information much much sooner, here he’s doing it strategically. It’s amazing how people can’t grasp that Raymond isn’t some hot sad boy. He’s a calculated manipulator and has been one for a very long time that doesn’t just change because he’s all of a sudden “gay” for a pretty twink. It’s just so shallow.

oh i like this analysis! i don't think Ray would have told Ian his plans in the first place anyway though because he's such a cautious and calculated person. I think he definitely is a manipulator, and he has manipulated Ian before, but I feel as if he has changed slightly. Nonetheless, i think that change is temporary and if he finds a way to achieve his goals but needs to manipulate Ian to do so, he would take that chance and suffer the consequences later. i guess right now i'm hoping that he's changing for the better, because based off of his mannerisms he's truly warming up to Ian. but it seems like his desire for revenge is still overriding his actions.