taesung was never Lovey Dovey. alot of people complaining arent mad that he's not showering sooyoung in affection but rather that his behavior runs counter to his previous behavior in a way that kinda removes his original appeal for alot of readers. its fine if u still like him but lets not pretend like there arent valid reaosns to be disappointed with taesung's characterization or actions right now.
As i said their logic and reasoning doesn't go with the norms.
(Sigh) its hard to explain. Just read other stories with these. Lemme see
Down and Dirty
The beast must die
I forgot the others but yeah these stories parallel each others events.
Taesung have been a trash in the beginning of the story there was no single event that implied that he was better than the others. He does what his instinct and feelings at the moment. He is also a calculating person. He does what he knows will get Sooyong's trust but he does it for his benefit not bcoz he is really like that.
The events where he does some kindness proves how calculating he is or how manipulative he is. He knows Sooyong like those things or at least hope for those things and he did it.
But of course some simple events like the simple gestures of touches and care when he was sick and beaten were genuine.
But we can't deny the fact that they ain't right in the head anyway. He wants to keep Sooyong next to him so he can supervise him but he knows that will make Sooyong be more distant that's why he let him have the job but then he got hurt again so he use it on his device.
If his plans goes the way he likes Sooyong will eventually do what he initially want anyway.
This story makes it more real anyway. A gang leader ain't just sadistic in nature they are cunning and manipulative people. That's how they survive. And not to mention they use and trick other people.
Its reality. But yes these are just my opinions.
I have read many psychological books and this is only the tip of the iceberg.
There are far more worst cases but that's how it is.
Because half these people in reality don't know what it's like my step father was unfortunately in the drug business while he doted on us sometimes he would be extra hard on us. So I actually understand sometimes I feel most people no matter the gender, age, sexuality can't really relate so they bash what they can't relate to. Also they will going the it's just fiction rant when it suits their argument or point of view.
You are right.
It just gets annoying how they complain on how it doesn't go same with normal stories.
It won't have its own flavor if it will be just another typical story where the couples become loving.
Taesung who is rough around the edges suddenly become understanding and caring ----meeeehhh boring

I don't get why people who dislike this kind of stuff come here and read these types of stories that they are not into then later complain? Like whut?
People who grew up in a gang environment don't really know how to be lovey dovey like its a given the grew up without experiencing how to be love and love.
So when they meet someone who stir emotions in them they start to get possessive of it. Their logic and reasoning don't really go with the norms.
Its not reality when someone who grew up on violence start to be loveydovey like for real there should events of realization that what they are doing is not the right thing but these turning point usually takes time. Even people who grew up in a good family still make mistakes so like why expect a heart warming love stories in these kinds of genres?
It won't be fun if there won't be hurdles and self reflections to occur.
If u don't like it just drop it fr