spoiler . . . . . . . . . . . . . if you are wondering if they end up together, yes unfortunately they do end up together, but there is no redemption arc for Gu Wonjae so dont even bother checking the novel at this point.
Wonjae does not regret the cruel, coercive, and manipulative ways he treated Cheongwoo at the resort. he remains a naturally tyrannical, obsessive character and an asshole. he never experiences a grand moment of atonement where he apologizes or fixes his underlying toxic nature. instead of an emotional redemption, Wonjae's behavior changes strictly because it is the only way to keep Cheongwoo by his side like after a brief separation where Cheongwoo tries to live a normal life, Wonjae realizes that excessive violence and locking Cheongwoo up will only break him completely (wtfreak man) so Wonjae pivots to buying his affection through immense financial reliability specifically by handling Cheongwoo's massive debt and funding critical, life-saving medical care for Cheongwoo’s beloved grandmother that he always always use as a leverage.
oh and the MC too is kinda frustrating hmm he doesn't forgive Wonjae out of pure, healthy love but his feelings shift in a way that closely mirrors Stockholm syndrome. Cheongwoo recognizes that despite Wonjae's horrific behavior, Wonjae is the only powerful, reliable “shield” he has against a cruel world and predatory loan sharks. so in the very end, Cheongwoo willingly accepts the "golden cage" Wonjae builds for him, and Wonjae is completely satisfied because he has secured Cheongwoo's absolute submission.
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if you are wondering if they end up together, yes unfortunately they do end up together, but there is no redemption arc for Gu Wonjae so dont even bother checking the novel at this point.
Wonjae does not regret the cruel, coercive, and manipulative ways he treated Cheongwoo at the resort. he remains a naturally tyrannical, obsessive character and an asshole. he never experiences a grand moment of atonement where he apologizes or fixes his underlying toxic nature. instead of an emotional redemption, Wonjae's behavior changes strictly because it is the only way to keep Cheongwoo by his side like after a brief separation where Cheongwoo tries to live a normal life, Wonjae realizes that excessive violence and locking Cheongwoo up will only break him completely (wtfreak man) so Wonjae pivots to buying his affection through immense financial reliability specifically by handling Cheongwoo's massive debt and funding critical, life-saving medical care for Cheongwoo’s beloved grandmother that he always always use as a leverage.
oh and the MC too is kinda frustrating hmm he doesn't forgive Wonjae out of pure, healthy love but his feelings shift in a way that closely mirrors Stockholm syndrome. Cheongwoo recognizes that despite Wonjae's horrific behavior, Wonjae is the only powerful, reliable “shield” he has against a cruel world and predatory loan sharks. so in the very end, Cheongwoo willingly accepts the "golden cage" Wonjae builds for him, and Wonjae is completely satisfied because he has secured Cheongwoo's absolute submission.