It's actually scary that I've been in this exact situation (I'm sure other ppl have, too). The phone call from your drunk, mentally unstable ex whom you've been worrying for endlessly, while you're trying not to fall back into the habits that exhausted you for years.
You're terrified and want to prevent the worst, but you know this'll keep happening and how the hell will it ever change? You feel resentment that you tried everything for them and they still didn't commit to trying to get better, helpless because you want them to be safe and happy, guilty that you want to escape them, stupid cause you wish your love would be enough to help them face their issues.
Realistically, the recovery from all this is slow, long, non-linear - with both realizing they need to get help. With it being especially difficult for Jiho to build a support system of people whom he can turn to and new routines. Yes, it could include Yujun, but not depend on him solely. And definitely not as a romantic partner for years more.
Fictionally? Idk I'll keep reading
As someone who really enjoys this story overall, so I do feel for the characters and I don't see it as just porn, I WISH sex between the main couple was actually, properly consent-based. Like, that would be the exact contrast needed from the abusive ex partner for the narrative to flourish! I don't mind Joohwan trying stuff out cause he suspects that Yeonsoo would like it too, but he's apprehensive about letting go of his hesitations and enjoying it - for many valid reasons. I DO mind Joohwan not knowing when to stop and ease into it!
I have a somnophilia kink and it'd be an absolute DREAM if the author showed Yeonsoo exploring it, being interested in it, agreeing to it beforehand and then enjoying it. So whyyy did they take it away from us T_T
I feel like what is happening is consistent with the characters. ML is introduced as kind of an asshole so it makes sense he wouldn’t be 100% green flag. MC has a ton of abandonment and grooming so it makes sense that he would accept that kind of behavior from ML and possibly even like it. When he woke up and ML pulled out he protested so I def think this one of the few versions of actual dubcon I have ever seen in a BL. The MC actually says ‘no, no don’t stop I actually like it.” Reminds me of line from that silverchair song “Come on, abuse me more I like it.” Not the healthiest relationship for sure but I’m here for it.
I didn't say it wasn't in line with the characters as they were introduced to us, but they've progressed from how they originally were. And while they're not gonna change completely to the healthiest version of themselves overnight, it would still be very nice to see them try at least in this aspect that's the ONE thing that Yeonsoo was subjected to during some of the worst times of his life. This assumed dubcon approach isn't a development that goes hand in hand with the narrative that he's moving on from the abusive tactics his ex used. If that changes, good. If it doesn't, it will be my main disappointment with the story.
Also, if you read what I wrote you can see that I'm not against (more like, in favor of) Joohwan being pushy with the things he wants to try out with Yeonsoo, since he wants him to be more honest and in touch with his desires and not hold back out of his various fears. It can be uncomfortable, but it's also very encouraging and liberating, but in Yeonsoo's case I think it's still pushing it too far with how he doesn't ease into it more.
Ofc relationships even irl aren't perfect and don't always warrant a breakup despite of their issues, let alone in a fictional comic meant for enterainment. But they had the chance to do something that I believe would've been far more satisfying while still being true to the characters' nature and they didn't. So I'm voicing that, while I still read and appreciate the story.
I did read what you wrote. I just have a different reaction and different point of view to the story and was just sharing that. I don’t think we need to have the same point of view. For me personally, I really like how the story is going and it has so far been a very satisfying read. I also do understand why you find it unsatisfying.
MC kind of reminds me of the MC in the manwha “There, not there.” Actually the ML hugely green flag. Have you read it? I think you might like it. It has some plot similarities.
I do find their story satisfying and enjoyable in many ways, just falling short of my hope for a more deliberate exploration of its themes in their relationship, not just in relation to the ex. There's still alot left to see though (I'm only catching up with the officials), so I'm curious how they go forward.
And ty for the recommendation, I haven't read it but will do!
I agree with you, some people can't hear someone else's opinions without giving a novel back to "change your mind" as we can see lol
Explaining myself to make what I meant clear is convincing someone and not accepting their opinion? So what you're saying probably applies to you more than me :)
I'm not strong enough to read comments here without getting frustrated over constant petty competition btwn characters instead of appreciating or even criticizing what's happening. I'm sure there are others who enjoy the storyline, so to you all happy reading!
Ian's been a star in the last 2 episodes. Calling Lucy "my little kitty" and being so reassuring, running while carrying him over his shoulder, serving his majestic boobs and hole AND offering himself for total annihilation?? Whew!
Look. "daddy", "mommy", "baby" sex talk and stuff is one of my BIGGEST turn offs irl. But I'm not here to yuck anybody's yum (I'm into much weirder things than this lol)! I actually love the creators for going all out and committing to this kink. That's freaking impressive and it's executed really nicely both in art and dialogue
I keep questioning Enzo's goal by raping him, since he seems perfectly aware of what he's doing. I can see the motivations, 1) he can no longer hold back his lust for him and that's expressed as a desire to dominate him, 2) he's taking out his anger and jealousy as he considers him a slut and by extension that he's being treated the same as his other sex partners. That's all yikes alright, but it's also true to his character.
But how does he think this will end, IF he even considers the "after" at all?
If there were any signs that Uno was into rough sex with him (like experiencing his first time bottoming and punished as a kink by Loren, but being hesitant to admit he likes it), I'd say ok this is just one of those smut narratives, but that's not it. He literally got sick to his stomach and his expressions are all those of fear, disgust and humiliation. So the author isn't sexualizing rape and is purposeful with how conflicting the two characters' emotions and experiences are during this, so it's gotta be important to the plot. I wonder how the author will handle this, how will their relationship shift from this point onwards..
And to think that if Enzo had treated Uno like a princess, he'd be down to bottom for him for sure. T_T
Disclaimer, unless I'm reading a realistic story, I don't always mind the use of sexualized rape/dubious consent/rough handling. There are stories where I'll ignore it or stories where I'll even enjoy it as a rare kink. Similar to occasionally feeling bad for or even siding with a murderer in fiction.
It's fictional, noone's being harmed, readers can feel various ways about it - as long as they understand fully that such actions are a CRIME irl and horrific ones at that.
I can understand what your saying....I mean I was also having a churning ache in stomach while reading this chapter...? I don't know if it's my cramps or just the second hand uncomfortable feeling from this .... could've been better but I guess author is just setting the tone for Uno to bottom and Enzo as a means and jealous top? Dunno! But let's see? I guess?
Yeah, either way it's not gonna be the end of the world. But if the author went into the trouble of making it LOOK so discomforting for their first time I hope there's at least an interesting point to it, storyline-wise :/
It's so satisfying when you bookmark a story cause it looks like it's gonna be good, but you want to let it build up on episodes before you binge it and then WHAM! You start reading it and it's even better than you thought!
The plot is promising, the dialogue is great, the art is gorgeous and their chemistry DIVINE. That first kiss of theirs omfg it had me melting away..
Forrealll this had me feeling the EXACT same wayy
I loooove the artstyle and I'm actually very thankful to the author for making me disillusioned with their relationship so I don't expect any quick or healthy progress. I'm ready for the angst and the messiness, bring it on!!
Twin sneks are here!! But there's only one more episode left of them (ends at ep 51) T_T