Haha you're not wrong about Max and the things he's done for/with Esther despite him claiming he likes Joy. It does feel off, and even he, himself, feels off about it - hence, why he's so hellbent on creating boundaries between him and Esther, so as to not create any further misunderstandings. I respect that sort of self-awareness from him. Though it's a little funny because he's quite dense and tends to second-guess everything when it comes to Joy but is so hyper aware of Esther and of their "closeness".
I also agree - I think Max and Joy are pretty similar. Which is funny in a way, because most readers here see Joy as a sly woman, leading Max on and creating this mouse and cat chase. But I think Joy gets just as anxious, nervous and awkward as Max - she just hides it better and is able to mask it at work. It's funny because since we don't get Joy's perspectives, people are quick to label her character in a negative light. But personally, I think she's a mirror to Max - She's also a girl who's fallen for her coworker and is now awkwardly trying to navigate her feelings whilst also respecting the goals and boundaries she's created for herself in her career. Other commenters also note that Max moves at Joy's pace, but I personally think Joy also moves at HIS pace. Her bringing up Max wanting "to take things slow" and respecting it in the last chapter is indicative of this.
I hope the author will finally give us more Joy-focused chapters and insights to her real feelings and thoughts.
OMG YES I AGREE!! I really don’t get why Joy is painted so negatively when she herself already admitted she’s also an anxious person who cares about what others think, and it’s something Max noticed right from ch 1. I also think its amazing how we can tell Max loves Joy. Although he seems more Casual with esther, its because deep down he already considers her as sort of a friend, meanwhile he’s constantly jittery with Joy because he’s conscious of her as a romantic partner, he cares too much what Joy thinks about him and how to make an impression. I also agree Joy makes an effort to match Max’s pace, and honestly I’m glad she takes initiatives cuz Max overthinks too much to the point he has difficulty voicing out what he wants to do with her. They’re perfect for each otherr ahhh
I would say Max is my type of guy but it would feel off for me knowing the guy I like/likes me/is pursuing me is so close to another woman to the point he’s been to her house, he drinks with her alone at night, night talks, secret meetings in the staircase, and gives her the same kind of gift he got me on my birthday….its suspicious if you don’t know the whole story haha. On another note, I think Max and Joy are quite similar.
Joy says she doesn’t want her partner to fall for her but its obvious she’s fallen in love and is subtly flirting, but it could also just be her personality mixed with her not being conscious of her feelings for max. Meanwhile Max says he doesn’t see Esther as a friend but he does everything a friend would do and more (I get why esther likes him).