Scum MLs with Actual Redemption Arcs

ML starts off extremely trashy and also violent to MC, who’s already having a miserable life. He learns more about MC, becomes obsessed with and dedicated to him, and is willing to do anything for him. He’d be his dog, yes sir. Their dynamics completely switch after that and ML makes sure MC knows he’d never allow himself to treat him (MC) like that ever again.

Status: ch. 93
Rating: 9.5/10
Redemption: 9/10

I don’t remember it too well, but ML is an *ss hole in the beginning and treats MC as a plaything, but then falls for him and gets karma from his past self. He then quietly pins for MC basically while treating him better.

Status: ch. 72
Rating: 9.3/10
Redemption: 8.5/10

The redemption is goodddd for this one. ML is an absolutely abusive and trash piece of sh*t who goes out of his way to threaten and r*pe MC. He eventually falls for him and suffers through the knowledge that he doesn’t deserve MC and MC doesn’t care abt him because of his own actions.

Status: ch. 62
Rating: 9.2/10
Redemption: 9/10

ML is an annoying homophobe who likes inconveniencing MC and when they later become fwb, he still treats MC callously. As the trope goes, he catches feelings and has to prove to MC that he’s changed. ML cleaned up his act so well, he actually realized everything he did wrong, respected MC’s wishes, and we now have a pathetic and smitten ML :)

Status: 85
Rating: 9.4/10
Redemption: 8/10

Started with the usual r*pe and uncaring ML who sees MC as a s*x object and pastime until ML gradually grows attached and falls for him. ML has to face the damage he’s done to their relationship and turns 180 to a pathetic ML. ML then restrains himself all the time because he’s scared of hurting MC and it’s a while until he’s let out of the doghouse.

Status: ch. 164
Rating: 9.2/10
Redemption: 9/10

It’s been a super long time since I last read this, but ML was a jerk to MC and bullied him in school despite being past childhood friends with him. He later realizes his mistakes and spends a long time trying to fix his relationship with MC while also reflecting on himself as a person. Love that the redemption arc isn’t rushed and time is spent actually addressing MC’s trauma.

Status: completed
Rating: 9.2/10
Redemption: 8.5/10

Gonna have to reread/catch up with this one, but ML is initially careless and cold towards MC until he catches feelings. I think I remember him reflecting on his past actions and feeling guilty when he sees how his actions affected MC.

Status: ch. 81.5
Rating: 9.3/10
Redemption: 7.5/10

ML is trashy when he meets MC, then he gets all sweet and they’re cute, but it doesn’t last. He deliberately misunderstands MC and treats him horribly again until MC learns to give up. MC then gets hurt, ML regrets, and the chasing arc begins. ML stays by MC’s side and learns how MC felt because he can’t talk. He’s a henpecked hubby after that.

Status: ch. 122 (season 2 is their son’s love story, which I will not be reading)
Rating: 9.2/10
Redemption: 5/10

Started off incredibly rough but improved so much. The story’s a bit similar to Can’t Think Straight, where ML’s a rude, rich jerk who eventually falls for MC and becomes downright down bad for him. Like pathetically crying in his underwear to his friend about being scared that MC will leave him type of down bad. He’s actually so gone for MC that it’s absolutely great.

Status: side 18
Rating: 9.2/10
Redemption: 6.5/10

Closer to a growth arc than a redemption arc because MC guides ML to learn and grow, which is great. It focuses on how ML can avoid his past mistakes while addressing his obsessions. MC “transmigrates” into a typical abuse novel. He’s determined to avoid their fate and works on gaining ML’s trust. ML still has his dark, possessive urges until the end, but learns how to prioritize MC’s happiness and restrain them.

Status: completed
Rating: 9.4/10
Redemption: 5/10