Everyone’s asking who the MCs are… who’s on the cover? Whose thoughts do we hear? It’s Mugyeong. The mc was Mugyeong and the ml was Yukio but Yukio is supposedly dead. We have to go to the past and see other side perspectives, of which their are a few other pairings whose sides we see. Mugyeong is the present mc, scar guy and older brother are the suspected villains, and Inu is the secondary mc in present. In the past, we get more inner thoughts from Mugyeong.
Like, I can get down with good beast art, but I hated Koju's face/mouth as a beast. Much prefer the human face. Plus his hair looks wicked
What an unusual ending. I've never read anything that left on that note. Especially since Yeonjun called Siwoo stupid and said he "forgives" Siwoo for... encountering someone else who likes him?
It's ambiguous but I feel like we can all agree this will not end well...
God you guys. It's innocent. Calm down. S'cuse the poor kid for having hormones and feeling weird that his cousin is hanging all over him. Thoughts and actions are two different things and he's not planning on acting on any stray thoughts. And he hasn't even had any dirty ones! They're literally just kids. Get over yourselves.
I don't remember them from before... Does anyone remember? Are they new?
Mingwa has “so many ideas” for the news season and hopes it’ll be out… before Christmas!? I wonder if she’s gonna mine or rework those “ideas” from the comments lol. So folks, keep your best wishes to yourselves on social media because who knows, she might go, “Ahhhh, let’s do the opposite!!!”
Yukio isn’t dead and it was just all staged by the older brother, Yukio, and Mugyeon (I think that’s his name)? Because the Kuroda family might have enough power to take his body home first.
Maybe.
Unlikely though, due to the title and description…
Kinda looked like both of them were heartbroken. Like, check out that panel where Jaekyung was like, “Is it you?”
And then obviously Dan being accused of wanting money and backstabbing Jaekyung.
Fuuuk… it’s gonna be a hundred years before they’ll speak again. Ughhhh
What to even say about this episode (51)?
Damn. Just blood everywhere and now Jaekyung will be down for a while if he doesn’t want to be crippled…
Oddly, it seemed like, before that flashback about the spy, Jaekyung just seemed to think Dan messed up. Like, he did trust him and just thought Dan was negligent. Odd that he just now thought of betrayal when we were all certain he would make that assumption immediately. Then, when Dan asked if Jaekyung didn’t trust him, it brought Jaekyung back to his senses but didn’t dispel his anger. It was similar to when he was dropping weight for the US match. He didn’t hate Dan then either, but Dan’s pity made him feel worse and he told Dan to fck off. He does it when he wants to be alone. Who in their right mind would chase after Jaekyung when he’s that aggressive? No one. He counts on that.
Since it seems he didn’t bring the incident with Dan and Director Choi up to Namwook and Yosep, Jaekyung must have decided it wasn’t worth being concerned over. Jaekyung is still very naïve, despite knowing that people are out to get him. He really trusted that no one would turn on him or try to get inside his circle to hurt him. He trusted Namwook, Yosep, his fellow fighters, and the MFC right up until this match. Why?
It kinda throws my prior assumption that he doesn’t trust anyone into question. Does he think he’s the reigning champ of a$$hats? No one can match him?
Also, the jinx. What will become of this supposed curse? I’m quite sure he and Dan haven’t had sex since before Jaekyung’s birthday, seeing as they don’t run into each other much because Jaekyung’s avoiding Dan (remember: Jaekyung thinks Heesung is a scumbag for playing with people’s feelings—another indication that he still has some sort of humanity/innocence buried under the meat). Do you guys think Jaekyung called someone else up the night before the match?
What happens next?
Jaekyung’s eyes were glowing in the last panel we saw him in, which is not great, but the dark cloud around him was lighter than after he got sprayed which could mean that he’s about to confront the other team, especially after his reaction to Dan’s plea for trust. The speech bubbles went from threatening black to white again, and the “…!” from Jaekyung was wavering with some emotion (the speech bubbles are a good indication of how the person is feeling or what their voice sounds like) before returning to their normal shape.
Jaekyung could also just go stew on his own like how he did in the states. I do see it as good though because the cloud seems to be Dan’s perception since it doesn’t follow Jaekyung but stays with Dan. Another reason I think it’s Dan’s perception is because we were watching the match with Dan and stayed with him after Jaekyung left.
In my opinion, Jaekyung will withhold judgement for now. He might go gather clues, he might stew, he could also (although I think this is very unlikely) get advice from Namwook/Yosep.
On the other hand, Dan has come to some decision. His speech and thought bubbles were all wiggly until the last panel when his “…” became sharp. He has a few options:
1. He could wait to see how Jaekyung reacts and lay low like he was told.
2. He could go dig up evidence that would clear his name. He did approach Jaekyung bravely to apologize, so that is a sign he’s growing up. He also stood up for himself and clearly denied the accusations. He still stuttered, which is super annoying to me, but Jaekyung is an angry, bleeding monster so I can’t say I wouldn’t stutter myself.
3. He could quit… but I think that’s even less likely and definitely not in his best interest. It would appear as guilt/weakness, as if he’s unwilling and unable to prove himself worthy of his title. He can’t go forward successfully if he does that—he would have zero recommendations and still owe Jaekyung years of payments. His grandmother is still alive and she would be ashamed of him (and he of himself) if he ran away from his debt at this point. Imagine how much he went through to pay off debt to those violent thugs; he’s not going to run away from his debt to Jaekyung, the man he supposedly loves.
4. He might ask for help (gasp!). From his grandmother (unlikely), Heesung (a little less unlikely), the other fighters like Yoon-gu (hmmm…), or the authorities (MFC, police, etc).
Overall, this episode was disappointing. I felt like none of my questions were answered, it ended in a tie, and we still don’t know what will happen between Jaekyung and Dan. Was it fan service to those who want justice for Dan?
Please, Mingwa? Can we please get a flashback episode? Please? I need to see Jaekyung’s pov. We’ve so far gotten something like a skeleton of his life, but nothing of substance. I NEED IT!
Why does he have massive, gang-like tattoos?
What is the origin of his shoulder injury?
Why does he have a billion placemats when no one comes over? The candles are melted, but when did he ever light them?
Why does he have a wine cellar/area? Why is it packed with wine that no one drinks?
Did he not become a swimmer because it didn’t pay as much or was it because of his shoulder injury?
Why does he religiously drink milk despite being a full-grown man who’s past the point of ever being called small? Aren’t there protein drinks for that?
How has he never kissed anyone? Like, the first time he did it was because he remembered what the doctor said, 0 emotions employed.
Was he actually raised by a pack of wolves?
If he loves reading so much, who does he talk to about books? He apparently unburied his extended vocabulary to talk to “Granny” and his off-site interviews that we’re never privy to.
When did he and Heesung share their bedroom/dating rituals to where they’re familiar and even comfortable talking about it later together?
Why can’t he sleep?
He used to think he was jinxed, hence the title, but he seems to have forgotten about it now. Does he not believe it anymore?
Why do Dan’s tears turn him on?
Why DID he pay Granny’s medical bills? Does he throw money at anyone who converses with him outside of the gym?
Why does it feel like no one in the story is actually curious about his background? None of them really seem to know and just assume he was born a jerk.
Why was Park Namwook the only one we saw text Jaekyung “happy birthday”?
Who was he on the phone with at his birthday dinner?
Who are Cheolmin hyung and Seo Gichan (the other contacts we saw in his phone in episode…3 I think)? Someone said they thought Cheolmin was the home doctor, but I don’t think so because the doctor addressed Jaekyung somewhat formally and Jaekyung never called him “hyung”.
Why doesn’t he go anywhere for fun? He seems to crave “fun” but doesn’t try to create his own… Why?
Whyyyyy?????
T_____T
I mean, we have been seeing the reaper’s feelings develop, but I feel so claustrophobic when I read this. Every day is just them sweating and having sex. Plus, the reaper speaks like a stuffy old lady. At least they go outside in this episode but I have no idea where the plot is going. I keep hoping for something, anything to indicate when this weird stasis will end, but it never does.
Han Garam is so articulate. He’s totally right about straight guys and it really feels difficult for them to move forward from here because of that. I’ve read the raws, so I know what will happen, but the translation here is much clearer. Jaehyuk does genuinely like him… now. We believe him because it’s a bl, but I wouldn’t trust him in real life. He’s been going back and forth about how serious he is for a while and Han Garam, if he knew, would have been gone episodes ago.
While I don’t want it to drag out for too long, I also feel like this particular issue couldn’t be cleared up quickly. I love how heartfelt and serious this comic can be while also being lighthearted and silly. Such a great story.
They turned on Dan so quick! I guess they were stressed, but still! And Potato didn’t even defend him! Thanks for nothing, Tato.
Possible reasons for why no one stood up for Dan:
1. Jaekyung told Namwook and Yosep about the pictures but Dan never brought it up himself.
2. Dan and Jaekyung have clearly been on the rocks in front of Team Black, so they suspect something is amiss, especially after Jaekyung accused Dan right away.
3. It wouldn’t be the first time that someone has retaliated against Jaekyung for his shit attitude and it won’t be the last. It would be reasonable that Dan got fed up with how Jaekyung treats him in front of others.
4. Simply because Jaekyung pointed the finger at Dan first.
Honestly, none of that is very realistic. Especially since Dan was the one to take the fall last time. Obviously someone is trying to sabotage Jaekyung and there would be no reason for Dan to join them since it’s dangerous for him as well. It doesn’t make sense why they would turn on Dan like that. My guess is that something happened since Jaekyung’s birthday and it’s the second reason: Jaekyung and Dan have been more distant than ever at Team Black and the others have silently noticed.
Predictions if Jaekyung wins the match:
Worst case:
Dan is seen with or near King of MMA team or Director Choi. This would ruin him. There would be nothing Dan could say that could clear him, and no one would side with him since he never brought up the meeting with Director Choi and the ambiguous threats Choi made after Dan left. At the very least, his integrity would be questioned since he didn’t report the attempted sabotage to his employer. Telling them would’ve given Jaekyung and his managers time to devise a plan, interrogate the other team, and work through strategies to deal with dirty fighting (pretty sure Jaekyung could determine which tactics they might employ). Dan would instantly lose his job and be kicked out of Jaekyung’s house.
Best case:
1. Baek Junmin lets slip that he tried to sabotage Jaekyung and Dan gets a chance to defend himself to Namwook and Yosep. Dan is likely to be placed on temporary suspension while the spray case is investigated regardless, so he will probably either stay at Team Black or the hospital with his grandma.
2. Potato would vouch for Dan’s thoroughness, and argue in his favor and the other fighters would stand up for Dan and argue that sabotage is out of question based on his personality.
4. Dan will almost certainly go see his grandma after this and tell her about the issue. She would build him up and, while Dan’s at the hospital, he would learn something about F pharmaceuticals (remember: Director Choi has a hand in the industry and that is likely how the spray was created… plus there were the drug tests and blood draw from the shake and those were likely processed by F pharmaceuticals too). Director Choi might even be responsible for the hospital leaking Jaekyung’s information through the pharmaceutical company, and that female doctor Dan meets with could be allied with F pharmaceuticals and director Choi (maybe even Dan, if she learned about the accusations he faced at his previous hospital job). Dan could gather intel about the failed green drug that his grandma and others took, link it to F pharmaceuticals and report his findings to a news outlet (since, let’s face it, no one will take Dan at his word because his spine is about as strong as yarn and his reputation has been ruined twice over).
5. At this point, between the foot and the shoulder, Jaekyung won’t be able to fight for a while and might need surgery after the fight, which would limit his mobility for about 6 months (my boss, a tiny but tenacious old lady, just had a shoulder replacement and has been out of commission for over 6 months and won’t be able to fully lift her arm laterally for several more months, so a younger man might take less time but time is precious and limited for Jaekyung). For an athlete, that kind of down time could spell the end of a career.
I think the predictions for Jaekyung’s loss are anyone’s guess. Even Park Namwook can’t determine if Jaekyung would be able to pick himself up again (he said that a few chapters ago).
My guess:
Jaekyung will win the fight but the two protagonists will break up.
1. Dan will be placed on suspension and kicked out of Jaekyung’s house. I have no idea what will happen to the dresser, but I think Dan might sell it since his grandma will die and can’t enjoy it again. That would give him enough to get by for a short while. Maybe grandma didn’t tell him about an inheritance she left him? Doubtful but possible.
2. Dan will fall into despair but grandma or someone will say something that inspires him to search for ways to clear his name.
3. Jaekyung will get surgery and be out of commission for a while and Team Black will struggle during that time. Jaekyung will likely not want to return home for a long time, due to the memories created with Dan and the fact that he is no longer able to defend his title.
4. We’ll swing over to Choi Heesung and Potato, since the two are linked intrinsically to the main characters (Heesung cares about Dan, Potato cares about Jaekyung, both believe Dan could never do such a thing.)
Chapter 49
So it turns out that they never actually talked about it. What? So Jaekyung was waiting for Dan to bring it up first? Ugh, Dan! You have a responsibility as a Team Black employee!
BUT! I don’t think Jaekyung will lose. And the match may take place next episode or it’ll be Jaekyung’s backstory, or possibly both.
Here’s why I don’t think he’ll lose:
1. He’s almost definitely seen Baek Junmin fight in the past.
I really think they both were either in rival gangs or the same gang in the past. They both have those massive tattoos but Junmin’s is full of color and he has many whereas Jaekyung’s more traditional tattoos are black and white—in the past. This also explains why he reacts so poorly to being called a baby. It seems that he was bullied (I mean the complex, the need to win, the milk every morning, the relentless training, the anger… kinda obvious) and that the trigger word was “baby” to belittle him.
2. The placement of the injury he received: his foot. Hello Achilles? But the achilles tendon is on the backside of the foot/ankle and Jaekyung’s burn is on the front of his foot. It’s probably acid—I was literally screaming at my screen “WATER!!! WIPE IT OFF!!!”—because it was immediately painful and irritating. Since this burn was on the other side of the achilles tendon and on top of a throbbing vein, it made me think of boiling blood—anger that will carry and drive Jaekyung through this next fight.
3. Seems like this will be Jaekyung’s second spar with Junmin, a follow up from the last one where he lost and apparently cried. Jaekyung will have to apply different techniques to counter Baek Junmin's attacks. Jaekyung’s foot will force him to wrestle with Junmin, which will probably result in him being strangled and trigger a memory. Remember when Jaekyung was training before his match with Dan, before Yoon Gu headlocked Dan, and Jaekyung had someone in a headlock who was tapping? Jaekyung said, “You can’t get out of this? Just do it.” Makes me think he is repeating something he heard. I believe he’ll break free but Junmin will seriously injure him before ultimately losing.
Jaekyung will keep his title but will be too injured to compete for a while or forever.
Dunno how many people have watched that cartoon, The Swan Princess (with the turtle and frog sidekicks), but this confession and rejection reminds me of the one in that movie lol.
Derek: Arrange the marriage!
Odette: What? Wait!
Derek: What? You’re all I ever wanted! You’re beautiful!
Odette: Thank you. But what else?
Derek: What else?
Odette: Is beauty all that matters to you?
Derek: uhhh *casts around for answers* What else… is there?
Odette leaves and cancels the marriage lol