I don't like the 'romantic' relationship, or whatever progress it's on. IMO I like relationships that are written to show how personalities/values mesh. Kim Dan's side, I get it. He viewed JJK as a protector and admired his work ethic a lot. JJK has never been interested in Kim Dan as a person outside of what he could do for him. This new 'concern' for him feels like its arising out of pity more than anything else.
At this point, im reading more just to explore their individual stories. JJK has some major anger issues that tie into his desperation for success. It seems to stem from some sort of trauma, that drives him to want to be the best and unaccepting of anything less. IDK how Kim Dan is gonna temper that.
Kim Dan has some major abandonment issues. He struggles to live on his own, both literally and mentally. Again, not sure how JJK can possibly help with that. At this point, it feels like the characters are getting pushed together out of co-dependency, guilt, pity, and fear. I don't love it but i'm curious how the author is gonna navigate these personal issues of the characters.
Ik, JJK has done some really crappy things in season 1, but im okay with this version of him. He has a rough edge, but no one else is coming around to take care of Kim Dan ok. But lowkey, im real tired of Kim Dan's alcoholism. Like bro, your doctor says you have an issue and you're literally walking into the ocean regularly. As a medical professional and our MC, please at least put some effort into getting your life together.
The sex at this point, feels so inconsequential. Like the author throws it in there, ignores the problems that arise from it, and moves on.
bruh, kim dan was literally human trafficked and forced into sex by his employer (which is the second time this has happened to him), where he couldnt quit because of his DYING GRANDMOTHER. Let him have his problem, its literally not even jjk business at all.
I think if we throw jjk into the sun, thenkim dan will have a much more stable mental state without evil mma man around
I definitely think that when they get into it, JJK's aggression crosses a certain line that transactional relationships can't justify. But on the other hand, I wouldn't go as far as trafficked just because the MC did agree to a transactional relationship for a financial benefit. It sounds harsh but Kim Dan needed a certain lvl of aid that no one else could/or was willing to provide. JJK's problem is that he takes it too far by being aggressive and disrespectful, which is not okay even if its transactional. Even still, Kim Dan did not have to work for JJK, it was a choice he took to settle debts that weren't brought on by the ML.
His grandma is lowkey thriving for her age. Yes she's old, but she's at peace and happy where she is. My point was that his grandma is doing as well as someone her age can be, but Kim Dan needs to at least start moving in the right direction, which is accepting that other ppl can't be permanent figures in your life. I think the whole point in the first part of this season is that throwing jjk into a dumpster wouldn't solve Kim Dan's problems. If they never met, his self-esteem definitely would've been better for sure without all that verbal abuse he went through at the end of season 1, but he'd be buried deep in debt with loan sharks physically coming after him and potentially his grammy. Plus, his abandonment issues were still a thing. If JJK never found him in season 2, Kim Dan quite frankly would've been long gone in the ocean.
All in all, while the romance sucks and the characters arent particularly likeable, I think the author bringing some unique dimension to her fictional characters.
They have a similar premises but the vibe and focus are quite different. Dash feels less romantically focused and a little more plot. The narrative focuses a lot more on exploring the swimming itself, the competitions, and the commercialization of athletes. The relationship is definitely still there and developing, but the time spent on it is on par with the plot itself. I'd say there's trouble brewing with Kavva.
Do yourself a favor and find the novel bec it’s soooooooo good.
Based on Seo-In's problematic behavior in the past and in the present, my guess is that HE actually kissed Jaewon/brother. He likely gets jealous of the gangster hyung in the past and did it to trigger MC. We see that he's clearly upset that the MC isn't obsessed with him + even in the present he'll flash his sexual relations in front of Yeongwoon to get a reaction. (lowkey toxic)
In the past, this triggers Yeongwoon to pull away for long enough until Seo-In has to leave for a few months for work. My guess is that during that time is when Jaewon started bullying Yeongwoon and that's when we see him with all those bruises and his dad getting paid off. The goal was probably to isolate the ML when he returns. The mom likely paid off the dad so they won't sue Jaewon. The dad probably had a really bad reaction and ultimately Yeongwoon decided to take this 'settlement money' and run away, probably feeling more justified bc it was for getting beaten up.
Like this
MAYBE Seo-In did kiss the brother, to make the MC jealous. Honestly, he's just a little unhinged enough and petty enough. I'm realizing that now with the recent chapters.
I'm honestly embarrassed by how much I care about this story
no literally cuz i been running the moment i see the update notification
They're both a little off their rockers. They're both emotionally clingy and dependent on their transactional relationship. it's not truly romantic on either side. Well aite then.
YALL idc if its the brother or the gangster, ILL FIGHT ANYONE THAT COMES IN BETWEEN THEM.
Wooju, why are you going to someone you keep a professional life with and has been problematic since before.
And Jiheon, wtf. I don't think he was actually there, but why tf are you willing to risk his health.
NGL i love the ML's mom. There's something about a rich parent finally trying to keep their kids humble(altho it clearly didn't work, but that seems just as much to do with being bored hot).
hahah I think it was his dad who spoiled him, also u know the saying that people are attracted to partners who are like their parents? garam to me seems alot like his mom lollll