Nah, you're good. I can understand where you're coming from: it seems at times like Wolfgang is very upfront to the point of being confrontational in regards to his relationship with Soohyuk; he's a man who recklessly pursues that which he desires, and Soohyuk is far more cautious and led by reason. In many of the interactions between the two, it gives off the impression that Wolfgang is imposing his physical and emotional desires on Soohyuk, and Soohyuk finds his advances to be uncomfortable. However, I don't think this means Soohyuk DOESN'T like Wolfgang. In chapter 22, for example, when Wolfgang wants to dance with Shin Soohyuk on the gazebo, Soohyuk's inner dialogue is:
"Somewhere, a voice cries out in panic. 'Do not take his hand.' But I…"
"But oh, I am tied by desire, overtaken by impulse. I am blinded… by this golden light."
"How utterly blinding is this golden light."
This implies that he DOES want to be with Wolfgang, but the method of "laying low until the right time arises" has been ENGRAINED into him so much so that he refuses to let himself indulge in the smallest pleasure lest it come back to hurt him (I think he KNEW he would eventually be asked about the 4th prince's whereabouts at the party, so he didn't want to do anything to get himself and potentially Wolfgang in trouble, but he decided to give in to his desires just this once).
He also tells Wolfgang in the infamous chapter 24: "I am yours." In the last chapter, Wolfgang confirms this romantic declaration when he tells Shin, "Since that day, your heart's belonged to me..."
I think the reason why Shin Soohyuk appears to be reluctant to Wolfgang's advances in recent chapters is one: he still has his old habit of building a wall around himself so he won't be vulnerable to attacks, or two (I like this one better), HE KNOWS SOMETHING WILL HAPPEN.
I honestly think his hesitation gives off some MAJOR foreshadowing vibes: The whole time the king was alive he was cautious about being to openly familiar with Wolfgang, because it would not only spell doom for him, but it would COMPLETELY destroy his plans to make Wolfgang king. You'd think that now the king is dead, he'd be a lot more relaxed and open with his feelings toward Wolfgang. But humor me this: Shin Soohyuk is super smart, right? Obviously he knows more about the kingdom than even Wolfgang does. What if he knows their struggles aren't over, that there's something else that could threaten the reign of the new king? I think to him, things still have a long way to go before balance is restored in the kingdom, so he still wants to be careful and not lose sight of the mission. Besides, if Soohyuk FULLY gives in to his desires, who would keep Wolfgang on track? Soohyuk serves to ground Wolfgang, whose heart is as wild and beastly as Aaron the horse's is. I think he's trying to serve as the voice of reason for the rather impulshish Wolfgang, so it makes sense that he's a little more hesitant about Wolfgang's advances. He never speaks about their relationship, he only speaks of the duties Wolfgang has as king and the responsibilities he himself has as treasurer. If he were to reciprocate Wolfgang's advances fully, he wouldn't focus on his work! Haha.
Anyways, does this clear things up? Sorry, it was kind of a long analysis!
Biitchhhhh, yesss! You're clever
Haha, thanks.
Yoooooo! Thank you for clearing that up! This whole time I was very doubtful about their relationship, more so on Shins side. I was bracing my self for Shin to start plotting ways to take Wolfgang out of the equations because he had served he’s purpose Your analysis cleared up a lot of my doubts, I can’t wait to see their relationship blossom more and more. THANK YOU!
HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!
Don’t fire me up for this, but like, what if Shin doesn’t even like him?