I actually ended up finishing it! It was good. I don't regret finishing this time. It did think of dropping it a couple times, but kept reading on principle. I just feel guilty dnf-ing when the plot and characters are good. (My shelf of dnfd books is staring at me as I type this XD)
Anyhow, if you're like me, I say give it a shot. It's a good story, and the ending is cute. I doubt you'll feel like it was a waste of time. It's just a but winded is all. I def won't be reading the spin-off though...
I think its because there's not much romantic development. They get together pretty early on, and it isn't crazy exciting compared to some other stories. Otherwise, the plot isn't deep enough to grip me without much romance
Spoiler
I guess there is that whole thing with mc running away. But it was over very quickly, and I feel like they were both pretty certain they liked each other at that point anyway

I've started and dropped this manhwa after a few chaps like 3 times. Gonna give it another go. Wish me luck!