- #1
I liked the arc with RHR and KOL. I just felt that KOL was a WLW!! I also felt bad for RHR whose circumstances were bad (but also a bit of world building that shows how child rankers can be exploited) and was so unstable that she ignored KOL genuine attempts at a connection with her. It's also interesting how she believes it's her lack of status that makes her think SDW doesn't see her as attractive. I also think her insecurity reflects a bit on the main couple.
RHR was so infatuated with what SDW represents to her that she forced a fake PR relationship with SDW. CYK, only through time and effort and standing up to SDW that they get together (according to spoilers that I read). I still don't like them as a couple though.
[collapse]The romance IMO is the weakest part of the story. I feel like it was initially going for an opposites attract thing- but their lack of communication and the unhealthy parts of their relationship isn't even entertaining- it's just frustrating!SpoilerHamchi had more chemistry with Woo Ragi and Han Kiseok.
[collapse]The MC is endearing to me and his inner dialogue is so real that it hurts fr. However, I feel like the MC takes too many Ls (which is fine) but he doesn't even gain any sense of agency 300+ chapters in. Not only do I think his companions look down on him, I don't even think that the author respects him. Not saying that kind and timid characters need to transform into someone ruthless to be "improved", but he's so weak that he can't even move the plot along by himself.The ML is an interesting character. In fact, I usually love the cunning, possessive, and morally grey type. He also has his vulnerable and insecure moments that makes him more "real". But I can't see why anyone would be in a long-term romantic relationship with SDW even if he is handsome and high-spec. Especially CYK whose self-confidence is weakened tenfold around him. I hate how CYK loses common sense around SDW.In the first place, SDW is supposed to be charismatic but scummy (also a character setting that I usually like) - but he's so ambiguous and frustrating that I've long forgotten the charming parts about him. His secrecy (while it has its reasons) feels like he's treating CYK as an unreliable person. It's improving so far, but it still feels like SDW cares for CYK but he never treats him like an equal. Maybe it's because CYK's POV is biased tho.SpoilerSDW is so calculating but he never considers the MC's dignity or health. (see: pretending CYK has a BD*M harem to drive HKS away, hiding the insomnia from CYK, etc.)
[collapse]They're never at the same page, their personalities are incompatible, their power dynamics are complicated, and at this point I'm not even looking for a healthy relationship or good communication- I just want a reason to root for them other than they're supposed to be endgame. They have their sweet moments but they don't even have any common ground beyond the master-servant contract!IMO it's fine to portray unhealthy relationships but I feel like there's a disconnect... I'm really not sure what makes their romance not work for me. I heard that this gets even more addressed later- I'm excited to eat my words if that's the case. This review was made in the 300th chapters so I'll probably wait for more chapters so I can binge it in one sitting.