The "person x in a relationship makes a decision
that defines person y in a relationsip without their input" trope ALWAYS pisses me off regardless of its justification or reasoning as a plotline. Idk how to describe this trope but here its like. Doyeon is deciding and summing up how she thinks Jinjoo has lived and is therefore deciding to act thinking that she knows whats best for her, without actually communicating this or letting Jinjoo decide for herself. I dont think shes necessarily wrong so I dont blame her, but its like. She could've said what she said to that guy, to Jinjoo. "I'm worried that a relationship with me will make you suffer. I have things I need to work out on my own (very depressed and barely scraping by) and so do you." Instead she chooses to be condescending and harsh. Telling the woman who thinks shes finally found solace of some kind, something to live for, that love is disappointing. In a way, she undermined Jinjoo's autonomy by thinking she can define Jinjoo, how their relationship always was, and how it will be and end on her own (obviously anyone can end a relationship for any reason at any time but I mean her justification for it).
Don't get me wrong at all, i think it makes SENSE that Doyeon did it this way. She is currently emotionally empty. Regardless of how she truly feels about Jinjoo, she is traumatized (from everything that happened and her childhood still) and (mentally) ill. I dont expect her to have a heart to heart conversation with Jinjoo about the past what. Year or whatever idk. She decided that shes not worthy of Jinjoo's affection, and that Jinjoo needs to experience independence, and her way of making Jinjoo see that was to, well, break her heart. Because it's easy. Because that'll make her give up on me. But it wasnt until reading this that I realized this is a trope that exists and im like, wow
I was gonna reply directly to the people downplaying Hirano's feelings but im just gonna make it its own post:
Hirano IS in love with kagiura, this has already been established (since 29). Hirano doesn't feel just friendship for Kagiura—per Kagiura's own definition, it is love. Kagiura is and always has been special to Hirano in a way none of his other friends are. It is undeniably love. If it doesnt align with your own view of romantic love, so be it, but denying its presence because you yourself dont understand it is ridiculous. The whole theme of this manga is ABOUT love, how it can "look" different but is inevitably valid and REAL. Hirano didnt have that whole conversation with Ichinose just for yall to invalidate him AGAIN.
It is an incredibly reductive view on relationships and how people are different to say that because he doesnt like kissing, it isnt love or its gonna fail. The general consensus here is that Hirano is aroacespec, someone who does not have much romantic or sexual desire, and who also may be uncomfortable with certain kinds of touching to a degree, or who does not view them in romantic/sexual contexts as others do. CLEARLY though, Kagiura is special in this way too because he does desire to touch him in a way he doesnt for anyone else. Hes okay with hugging Kagiura but we never see him hug others OBVIOUSLY because it's an action hes specifically comfortable with with the guy he loves. Same with how he feels about Kagiura being new and unique. The desire to see him. The way Kagiura helps him focus. The way he feels at ease in his presence. Wants to make him happy etc. These things may not look like love the way you see it but undoubtedly are. Hirano loves Kagiura and believes so himself. Kisses be damned. Not to mention, sexuality, comfort levels and everything are fluid. He doesnt desire it and dislikes it now, he may warm up to it BUT even if he doesnt, that doesnt make his feelings any "lesser".
He just needs to navigate the overlap in their feelings, hes said that. The overlap is where they are the same. He already knows they are the same in that they love each other, and here some of yall are truly believing his doubt that they cant somehow make it work since he doesnt wanna kiss. REALLY? Like you cant tell me yall missed the point of 28-31, its been way too long for yall to be playing these games.
I'm sorry if im being aggressive but im truly tired of the way Hirano is being invalidated. He wants to be with Kagiura. He loves Kagiura. These are things he fully believes and wants. Whether that will "work" or not... theyre teenagers. I think, like any teenage relationship, it depends. But please dont just ignore what you dont understand. Its very important you at least acknowledge these things
That was so so good. We got to get into both of their heads, why haneul jumped the gun to break up and what dajeong's reaction was, and I think both were very real. Sometimes we dont understand how others think or feel, even if they explain it and even if theyre very close to us, but instead of pushing or belittling or anything, dajeong was intentionally calm and reassured him. Perfect blend of comedy and drama. He didnt let his confusion take over how he spoke to haneul in the moment. Aghh that was so cute. I love their relationship so so much
The author is very excited for ch. 31, i don't think things are gonna go badly at all yall can chill
Eunoh is such a case study bc he actually does have play bc he's attractive and humorous but hes fucking stupid and weird and not in a likeable way so no one wants his ass. Get it together
