Moving the romance ahead before the brutality is what saves this BL and elevates it higher than the rest of the historical BL that has rape in it.
Both characters don't trust each other, one plans on killing the other, but they both catch feelings. When shit hits the fan, it makes sense now that rape would be included. It's portrayed as this tragic breakdown of what could've been and a betrayal.
With how the ML has responded so far and this isn't even the brutality yet, the only redemption is to kill himself. I feel like the author has foreshadowed this already. He carries a lot of guilt from the people he's had to kill, including strangers. I could imagine he couldn't handle himself if he killed the MC or drove the MC to off himself.
There are interesting places this could go.
At least it's not trying to paint it as this beautiful love story that has rape. The ML is awful and the author isn't hunting at any redemption story because that's not the point.
In-Seob's love became an obsession once he tied it to his guilt over his friend's death. This is definitely showing how much he's willing to tolerate because he just can't let go of the past.
I wouldn't be surprised if he goes from hating ML to saying he'll stay with the ML for penance to what happened to his friend. As this self flagellation. It wouldn't be out of character for him which makes this more of a tragedy than a love story.
It's so sad to watch. He knows he's just being hurt from this and knows ML won't let him go. I'm sure In Seob still loves him but this is the first time he's said he doesn't want to be around him.
Like a case like this needs to have law enforcement involved. But since In Seob is so isolated and the only people in his circle are people who are responsible for the success of the ML, makes it difficult for him to get out of the situation. This plot works because the ML is a celebrity.
It's worth a read but I wouldn't revisit it like I do with Unintentional Love Story.
Ed was actually the most likeable which is surprising for a seme. Mitch was fine and understandable until the whole "forget your ex that died and speed through therapy with me in the lead". It was very insecure and insensitive. Ed was obviously not ready and shaken up by it but it feels like the author also wanted to speed through to the end.
Rick from the beginning was a negative nancy. The first time we meet him, he's belittling Mitch's prospects. So for once, there was a second option in a BL that wasn't better than the first. So kudos to Pibi for that. He gave baby incels vibes and while he wasn't overly abusive, he made me VERY uncomfortable.
“Jennie’s probably happy. Her closest friend is spreading his legs and getting screwed by me. I’m sure she’s happily watching from Heaven.” Girl when I say my eyes went wide. They went wide as fck when he said that... (⊙…⊙ )"
My heart doesn't usually skip a beat when reading romance. But my god...the ML is so smooth, kind, and supportive.
He's a green flag but not boring. He's got his boundaries but respects yours. He flirty but not pervy.
And both of them have so much chemistry. Ugh...if someone has a link to an English translation of the novel, I'm here for it.
He's such a toxic mess. And In-Seob stays feeling guilty about still liking the guy knowing he's a piece of shit.
The ML's dark thoughts about In-Seob are pretty hot though, ngl
Knowing the artist loves NBC Hannibal and ships Hannigram has me very excited for this.
And I'm glad they did the time jump for the MC to stop looking like a child but...they were in college. Idk why they didn't have him looking like that in the first place?
What makes Woo-Yeon a good character for me is that he's an awful person and knows he is. The text treats him that way and In-Seob is constantly feeling guilty for still being attracted to him.
I mean, I get it.
I don't see Woo-Yeon developing though. He's accepted his lot in life, he's a psychopath.
We just had the artist season 2 onwards and it shows that writing isn't their strong suit.
This was supposed to be a fluffy side story but we have Dooshik raping him and we're going back to the past trauma AGAIN?
It's also showing how their redesign of Dooshik in season 2 had him looking like the POS. Season 1 Dooshik is a completely different character and I miss him.
He's not evil but can be cruel. I didn't see this as redeeming him but more giving context of what made him who he is.
There's nothing for him to redeem, he's playing his role. He could apologize but I see him as a man who knows words are wind, especially to someone like MC.
I enjoy seeing the lovestruck yet cautious side of him. Will make MC's betrayal actually have some hurt and not just celebration.
Poor Shahid really doesn't know what happened. Yesing needs to stop keeping things to his chest and tell him what happened. I know Shahid, while he's a flirt, would be so ashamed and angry with himself even though it wasn't his fault.
People saying he's giving green flags all the time but he didn't have enough restraint for my liking. Also doesn't help when Lou continues to talk like he's 8 years old.
Meanwhile, Shahid has been keeping his distance when he's known to be "open". And Yesing acts like a grown man with responsibilities and talents that contribute to the "plot".
Season 1 was the weakest which is a good thing. I got really nervous when the lead seemed confused on his feelings about that peace of shit.
I will echo other's opinions though, Taejoo should've been the lead, not Yoon.