Responses
Simple rule again: in non‑BL works, only REAL gag if: characters say it openly, feelings are written so romantic you CANNOT read it as friendship… OR author confirms it clearly. PERIOD.
Anything else? That’s queerbait, especially when they keep you guessing forever. Its so obvious yet you all call anyone homophobic because you can't tell the difference between actual gay stuff vs headcanon queerbait. Teasing BL fans for cash, keep conservative readers happy too aka win win for the author. Its just show this will never be gay no matter your mental gymnastics is.
Hyunjae and Yoojin shippers will say anything to justify their delusions. Clear once and for all: NOT‑BL ≠ CAN’T HAVE REAL GAY REP. absolutely they can! But huge difference between intentional rep vs vague vibes used just as queerbait for marketing and fandom growth and no confirmation from authors which just show its just queerbait.
Real rep in non‑BL is written so clearly you almost can’t call it friendship. Either romance/attraction is shown openly… or if subtle, THE AUTHOR CONFIRMS IT.
Perfect example: Asoiaf, in the past people were worried characters were being retconned gay but nope. GRRM confirm it years ago that they are gay. Books don’t spell it out fully only cause no POV chapters, so some book readers still read friendship… but we accept it as rep because AUTHOR BACKS IT UP. That’s my standard: respect “implied” queerness only when author confirms it, shows they care about rep, not just playing “maybe‑maybe‑not” to get attention without committing to please their homophobic fans. Leave it hanging forever? Means it was always just friendship… bait for engagement and cash.
Also once again GRRM grew up in way more conservative times than The S‑Classes That I Raised author. His reply to a fan asking
about his choice of including so many gay
characters in Game of Thrones: “Well I noticed there were gay people in the world.” Even back then he acknowledged and more progressive and confirmed openly. THAT’S how real rep works. Not whatever you all delulu is.
Now once again compare to The S‑Classes That I Raised. All those “suspicious moments”? EVERY ONE reads perfectly as deep loyalty, brotherhood, found family, always open to interpretation. YEARS running… author NEVER confirmed romance/queer feelings. THAT’S NOT REP, that’s textbook queerbait and marketed bromance. Deliberate trick: tease us enough to keep us hooked, keep vague enough for mainstream audience to see only friends.
You guys keep saying “shippers keep fandom alive art, trends, sales!” EXACTLY the problem. This blurry dynamic is built ON PURPOSE: max engagement + profit, never alienate anyone. Win‑win for author’s wallet, huge loss for anyone wanting actual queer respect. Years of silence = crystal clear: meant to be close friends all along, bait from day one.