Though their dynamic is not exactly revolutionary, I think this relationship has an unmist...

Though their dynamic is not exactly revolutionary, I think this relationship has an unmistakable charm that makes them stand out. Neither of the leads remain stagnant and they share on-screen chemistry that feels palpable. The story doesn't just suggest that Taeui is a loveable person but shows it through his actions, his flaws, and a background history that shapes him every step of the way. Taeui finds Ilay in a period of his life where he doesn't even realize how desperate for connection he is and they're mutually drawn to each other even before sex is on the table.

Taeui's dismissal from the military coupled with Jaeui 's attempt to push him away set Taeui up to be curious about Ilay and humanize him in ways no one else has managed to before. But Passion doesn't stop at that. Ilay doesn't radically become better overnight or even feel remorse for the kind of life he leads. Instead Passion tackles the question of how they make the relationship in spite of Ilay's nature rather than fixing it. They both make concessions in order to co-exist and live together.

This is a slow burn story that devotes ample time to development as Taeui accepts all of Ilay and Ilay gains humanity because of the overwhelming desire to keep Taeui in his life, realizing that he has to adjust or he could lose Taeui for good by endangering him. In the main story, Ilay learns that he can't kill Taeui. The next novel, DS, challenges this belief and Ilay learns he actually can kill Taeui on accident if he's not careful. And everything after that is an active and conscious effort to never hurt Taeui. Ilay realizes he could hurt Taeui, but he won't because he wants to be with him for the rest of their lives. He comes to understand there's nothing more personally fulfilling than Taeui being remaining by his side and happily so.