This would've been a not so bad, kinda solid story if it stayed at the resolution after we learn about the MC's past, as he refused the principal recommendation for the ML's sake. Up until this point, it was good, the MC's yearning as well as lack of belonging, neglect and search for acceptance and family was heartbreaking, and the more the connection with the ML felt special, underlined by the highschool flashbacks (it's rare for me to enjoy that many flashbacks, but here, they deepened the characters and their bond, so they were interesting to read). The little life they built for themselves after was also nice, it could've been a satisfying conclusion to the bits of angst and challenges set up for their relationship, but then the whole brother-thug-uncle-amnesia subplot mess ruined it for me. There were more than enough challenges that they were able to conquer, including the MC's insecurities, trauma, search for family, the ML's need for his feelings to be reciprocated, his past and part of the story (how he fell in love), etc. Everything else after that core of the story felt like filler that stretched the plot out the point where it got ridiculous. Some parts were important, like the reunion with the older brother, but the way it was done was stupid and messy - the stalking service by a thug felt like it just forced a second couple (which was written so shallow that it didn't matter anyway), and we didn't see a real heart to heart conversation with the two brothers. Also, the older brother's past, background, and relationship with his grandfather could've been explored more deeply. Instead, we get amnesia, that annoying dude who later on bought a knife, and the kidnapping on the island (the absolute worst part of the story, so unnecessary I couldn't even take the whole thing seriously anymore)... The ML amnesia subplot was the most annoying one tbh and it kinda ruined the established dynamic for me. So yeah, this started out promising (the ML was a yellow flag though, questionable behavior at times), I was rooting for the MC, then he got what he wanted (nice!), and then the author didn't know when to stop.
This would've been a not so bad, kinda solid story if it stayed at the resolution after we learn about the MC's past, as he refused the principal recommendation for the ML's sake. Up until this point, it was good, the MC's yearning as well as lack of belonging, neglect and search for acceptance and family was heartbreaking, and the more the connection with the ML felt special, underlined by the highschool flashbacks (it's rare for me to enjoy that many flashbacks, but here, they deepened the characters and their bond, so they were interesting to read). The little life they built for themselves after was also nice, it could've been a satisfying conclusion to the bits of angst and challenges set up for their relationship, but then the whole brother-thug-uncle-amnesia subplot mess ruined it for me. There were more than enough challenges that they were able to conquer, including the MC's insecurities, trauma, search for family, the ML's need for his feelings to be reciprocated, his past and part of the story (how he fell in love), etc. Everything else after that core of the story felt like filler that stretched the plot out the point where it got ridiculous. Some parts were important, like the reunion with the older brother, but the way it was done was stupid and messy - the stalking service by a thug felt like it just forced a second couple (which was written so shallow that it didn't matter anyway), and we didn't see a real heart to heart conversation with the two brothers. Also, the older brother's past, background, and relationship with his grandfather could've been explored more deeply. Instead, we get amnesia, that annoying dude who later on bought a knife, and the kidnapping on the island (the absolute worst part of the story, so unnecessary I couldn't even take the whole thing seriously anymore)... The ML amnesia subplot was the most annoying one tbh and it kinda ruined the established dynamic for me. So yeah, this started out promising (the ML was a yellow flag though, questionable behavior at times), I was rooting for the MC, then he got what he wanted (nice!), and then the author didn't know when to stop.
The smut here is exquisite tho, 10/10.