Turquoise Moon's Topics (12)

This is already promising more than Unintentional Love Story, the author's previous work. Instead of putting the audience through a lot of guesswork and making the characters seem oblivious of their own motivations, the backstory here was able to show the perspectives of both characters even if it's from Ian Ryu's POV. It seems even more plausible that the POV is Ian's since he's the one with the obvious reason for being observant of Eunsan. Though the attraction seems one-sided, you can see from Ian's POV how he remained attracted to Eunsan despite everything he's seen so far- and it's precisely because it was BEYOND just physical attraction... it was Eunsan just being himself- being kind, empathic, and generous almost to a fault. Eunsan wasn't trying to seduce him or trying to be cute... his personality is just naturally attractive and overflowing with positivity, something that seems ironic as we know him many years later to be an overcautious, overthinking human being needlessly carrying a lot of emotional baggage.

In Unintentional Love Story, we have an ML who seemed to have come from an obsessive, one-sided relationship with a colleague- an obsessiveness that continued to weigh his relationship with the MC, complicated by his somewhat moody personality that always puts the over-transparent, laid-back MC on edge as he barely has anything in common with the ML when it comes to profession, hobbies, and lifestyle. The ML also follows the rich, naively-innocent, yet entitled character stereotypes in most BL- he offers to do everything for the MC out of the kindness of his heart coz he has the resources and the connections to make things easy for the ones he loves. The author seems to have refined that character design here by giving Ian the kind of childhood that allows us to appreciate his work and relationship ethic years after. Now we know why Ian values work- will never makes excuses to fail his career or compromise his commitments even when he's head over heels for someone. And it was not just about financially struggling as a student and knowing the value of money- it was learning to appreciate that the best things in life come to those who do their best no matter the outcome... and that BEST thing was not even becoming a success in hockey but meeting Eunsan and falling in love with the kind of person he is AND using that love as an inspiration to go on and survive even when those genuine feelings were not and might never, in fact, be reciprocated. In other words, Ian's entire identity is built around NOT taking anything or anyone for granted.

Eunsan's character is built the same way. Even if Ian were to try to treat him like a princess, Eunsan was never the type to let that happen. Their personalities aren't just randomly decided by a few lines of dialogue but by how the backstory takes us precisely to those unguarded moments where both Eunsan's and Ian's egos are bared to us. Eunsan would never let himself "enjoy" any special treatment not only because he had always been Ian's responsible senior who took care of him and everyone else on the team, but also for the reason that his inner child was built that way- he looks after others not out of duty but out of intuition (no wonder he spoils his younger brother too and treats his co-workers like family). Despite appearing to be laid-back and carefree he actually worries too much about others that he's almost never aware that he ends up needlessly making compromises (like drinking something too sweet for him just because it was a gift he needed to appreciate) and ending up confronting Ian about his attitude coz he couldn't take being given the cold shoulder treatment by the same person he's come to like. In her previous work the author makes out the MC to be a little oblivious and naive of other's emotions and though we see the same in Eunsan, it's not the stereotypical obliviousness that makes for a convenient plot device to prolong the romance- it's more of a psychological obliviousness that grows from a person being too emphatic, selfless and sensitive toward others that they often downgrade the importance of their own needs and feelings. We know from the start how Ian Ryu knows this and feels tempted to take advantage of this weakness so he could get closer to Eunsan... but we also know from the backstory that Ian had his own struggles from the get go... he wanted Eunsan REAL BAD... but he also wanted to be WANTED BACK even if not romantically but for a REASON, a purpose that's just as permanent and stable.

The fact that Ian could love Eunsan to the point of ignoring his own pain, his own need to be loved is what makes this story both simple and enlightening because we don't see this in the light of exaggerated drama and suspense where tragedies unfold every other chapter. We see this in plain sight... between two characters who can't help but be true to themselves and to each other even when they're doing their damnest best to hide their deepest feelings.

To some, that may not be a deep story worthy of being called a masterpiece- but I think that while reading can be a rewarding intellectual exercise, most of us prefer the pleasure of empathizing with endearing characters that make the story an enjoyable journey worth coming back to.

I forgot to add- guys who are GAY for just that one guy- the term is ASEXUAL- they develop attachments to a person NOT based on sexual compatibility but emotional, cognitive compatibility- meaning, the attraction is based on anything OTHER than sexuality and gender- so asexuals can switch from gay, bi, hetero, homo depending on WHAT triggers the attraction.

Like Eunsan, they might not feel any sexual, romantic, physical desire for the other person (hence the label "asexual") and some real-life asexuals can have romantic feelings BUT not be able to express them at all, or much worse, be so shy as to shun or avoid sexual and romantic displays of affection.

They do express love and feel love just as deeply as others- but only for that ONE person they feel connected to. Some say it's pure, innocent love- maybe so... but it's hard to say since only 2% of the population on the planet would technically use "asexual" to describe their orientation. What's sad is that they often have break-ups for their inability to be more expressive romantically and sexually.

In other words, Ian has a LOT on his hands when it comes to Eunsan.

For those who MISUNDERSTAND what the author just said- even in her previous work The MC has always been straight prior to meeting the ML. So why this reaction? You shouldn't be surprised in the first place. BUT if you are, then let's look at the issue. Does making an MC straight 100% in his PREVIOUS relationships mean the writer has a distorted view of gay or didn't research bisexuality enough-

NO. I think that for writers to be writing BL and doing extensive research on OTHER key points like the sport or profession the characters are involved in (and you find that in the writer's previous works, making her characters quite the "credible" professionals they are) we can safely assume she knows enough about gay, bisexuality, etc. coz that's the MAIN SELLING point of her work- right? And like I said if you've READ THIS WRITER'S PREVIOUS WORKS you will realize that ALL THIS YAPPING ABOUT HER NOT UNDERSTANDING BISEXUALITY IS GOING DOWN THE TOILET.

What she said is TRUE TO MANY REAL PEOPLE IN THE REAL WORLD- even testimonials of real-life celebrities in EVERY country. If you understand REPRESSION- cultural, psychological, religious, political, spiritual, etc- YOU SHOULD UNDERSTAND THAT SOME PEOPLE do not realize CONSCIOUSLY what their orientation is UNTIL the REPRESSION is overcome by some real-life event or something triggers the person's AWAKENING so that the repressed part is brought into CONSCIOUS awareness. ONLY THEN can it be PROPERLY addressed and resolved, right?

Believe me this point is psychologically supported UNLIKE OMEGAVERSE AND THAT ESPER-GUIDE TROPE that most of our fellow BL fans swallow hook, line, and sinker.

Nothing against omegaverse and espers. I read them too- and enjoy the narrative for what it's worth. It's FICTION after all guys. And the rest of the porn universe that straight guys breathe like oxygen- you will find WILD things NEVER found in the real world- but hey, who's to tell a straight guy that their straight porn is inaccurate- tentacles and massive dildos and hot aliens included?

If you want a VALID GAY PERSPECTIVE that's 100% textbook-accurate, you can go read a...ummm... a textbook, actually. Or better yet-


Read "Unintentional Love Story"- the concept of "unintentional" is foreshadowed by the ML noticing that the MC is quite "unaware" and "naive" and it's one of the reasons he got into trouble at his workplace. We all have different levels of self-awareness... and yeah, in the real world, some gays (celebrities even) ACTUALLY have kids with their partners PRIOR to awakening to the reality they're bisexual. I know because I have at least one friend who is in the same situation.

EUNSAN himself has a LOT OF REPRESSED ISSUES going on in his life- and we only see some hints regarding his dad and his being the "coach's son" as some potential issues being brought to the surface- but that's ONLY the TIP of the ICEBERG. Let's wait for the flashbacks to see WHAT IS GOING ON IN EUNSAN's head... so all this JUDGMENTAL RAGE about the author NOT knowing bisexuality is just PREMATURE HATE coming from fans who have probably read BL of annoyingly straight guys, even alphas, suddenly becoming submissive, obsessive, sex-starved gays after awakening. This writer doesn't have a thing for that, so rest easy.
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Believe me, 6 months is not a long wait for this writer's work. The fact that she's NOT rushing her work and wants to put QUALITY before popularity and hype means one thing- she's NOT your run-of-the-mill writer who just wants to cash in on an easy hobby. Read "Unintentional Love Story" while waiting... and you won't regret anything except reading all this needless criticisms/ premature, misdirected outrage on Melting Point.

Peace ^_^

How could someone as in love as Ian have survived all those years pining for Eunsan? Now we get the answer: It's the TATTOO. Ian has symbolically inscribed Eunsan's name on his pelvis as if to say, "You will always be a part of me, inseparable from me, no matter what. With you on my side, by my side (which is quite literally- coz Ian had the tattoo placed just above his pelvic bone), I have no fear 'coz I'm never alone. And for the same reason, I will never let this body be hurt or be harmed in anyway. I'll stay safe (and this is why he touches the tattoo before each game). I won't let any injury scar that part of me that is you and only yours. Nothing will or can erase you... for as long as I live."

I hope these words translate Ian's feelings well... coz he's the kind of guy who overthinks everything about Eunsan so even when it seems he's saying a LOT, he's actually holding in even more, paranoid that Eunsan might "freak out" if he knew the full extent of those thoughts and feelings he's bottled up for so long.

Unlike the typical seme in other manhwas, Ian is so sincere, so vulnerable, and naive when it comes to his one and only. And that's the thing- Ian's tattoo speaks whole volumes: Eunsan has ALWAYS been his one and only ALL those years. Just like the northern lights, Eunsan was his beacon of light up there, stretched across an unreachable, endless sky. And no matter how unreachable and impossibly far he seemed, Ian was able to survive the loneliness and the heartbreak by painting Eunsan where he needs to be- just there right on his most vulnerable spot- as if to remind himself, he's never alone.

And if Eunsan can EVER love him back, for Ian, THAT will be nothing short of a miracle... just like the northern lights that magically light up the sky, illuminating a beauty you'll never find anywhere else.

Told you so... Ian's gonna top and he ain't gonna give up that role for any shit. Likewise, just like in this author's previous works, there's so much loving in the sex scenes... it's not just all thrust and orgasm on repeat. The characters actually have more "I care about you and genuinely worry about you" moments even in their hottest, craziest moments- so you can tell how much they really love each other, and sex only comes second to that.

I wish any other BL writer is taking notes- because this is how a decent romance should be written- even if its yaoi and everyone's expecting smut, right?

Love this author. Some works have potential to be this balanced, but somehow they fall short of having Ian's pure, innocent, pining affection for Eunsan that's touching and sweet in ways you'll never see even in the most popular BL out there. They're not toxic, yet they're not boring. This proves you don't need needless red flags to keep your viewers interested. I really hope there's more out there like this. Or maybe this BL story can go on forever- haha... as if those kinds of wishes do come true. ^_^

They'll NOT gonna switch, I swear. In BL switching became kinda the "politically correct" way of defining equality between couples that also supposedly defends the relationship against accusations that readers are just projecting their straight fantasies onto BL by putting BL couples in boy-girl dynamic (coz in opposite sex pairings, couples NEVER switch sexual positions). So switching became THE remedy to that issue... it makes BL relationships essentially different from male-female intimacy.

But knowing this author, even in her past works, the seme always ALWAYS just have to ask that politically correct question as if to give the uke the "proper" courtesies- like "I love you so much you're free to decide who's gonna be top or bottom" but the REAL seme ends up the seme anyway. on ALL occasions.

I respect switching but I don't prefer it either. I know that sounds like "projecting fantasies" onto BL relationships, but just let me put it this way- WE ALL HAVE OUR PREFERENCES, and the reason why we read fantasy and fiction is to PROJECT such preferences in a medium that's safely catalogued away from the reach of reality...so that we can exercise freedoms otherwise restricted and discriminated against in the real world.

That's also saying that fiction leaves ethics at the doorstep- because if you have to impose reality standards ALL the time, that would be putting needless limitations on a creation that's supposed to be absolutely FREE to EXPLORE the boundaries of reality.

That says much about why we have works like Jinx, Love History Caused by Willfull Negligence, Saturday's Master, Stranger (which reads better as a light novel) etc. Add to that anime like Ai no Kusabi, Mirage no Blaze, Kaze to Ki no Uta (which even some die-hard yaoi fans consider a little too much).

We have choices, gentle ladies. We all can choose to read something within our comfort zones. That doesn't justify questioning or insulting others for theirs... coz we'll hate it too if we're judged for preferences that don't define our WHOLE existence anyway.

Melting Point is a breeze- it's comfortable, it stays within the "comfort zones" of our moral and ethical proclivities. So enjoy it as best as you can... I swear, it's one of the rarest treats in BL fiction. It's not "deep" like classical literature... but it's as satisfying as hell in ways even I can't explain.

No continuation of the cliffhanger? The author is one of the best- she makes you want to read the story NOT for the smut but for the relationship.

In her earlier work, "Unintentional Love Story," which comes closest to this when it comes to character design and interactional dynamics, the smut doesn't get full blown spotlight until the relationship actually progresses to a point that the main characters have resolved all the conflicts and tensions thrown their way, and they're finally, FINALLY a full couple.

Rarely do other BL writers do that. They normally give the smut too much spotlight then think about the plot later. I promise you, getting cockblocked at this point is nothing new- it's part of her style. It will happen many MORE times (in her previous work, it's much more frustrating- I'm actually shocked Ian and Eunsan were in bed this soon to begin with). But let me reassure you- you will appreciate the story (smut? he he ^_^) even more at the peak of their character development.

This writer is the only cockblocker who knows how to do it well and makes you thirst for the story even when it's going for the final chapters. Absolutely no fillers. No anticlimax. And the pining gets even more... (horny?) intimate in the best way possible. ^_^

Eunsan: Nooooo!!!!
His toes: Yeeeeesssssss!!!!

The fact that Eunpa has that "oh god, do I really have to?" look on his face while telling his hyung that he's s NOT gonna be home that night is just telling. He didn't even bother to explain and reassure Eunsan that he's gonna be okay even when in the previous episodes, we know how sensitive he is to his hyung's over-protective nature and in fact, both seem clingy and devoted to each other as siblings. Hanging up while Eunsan was still asking questions is just...OOC on Eunpa's part.

So I guess he GOT the feeling that Ian's gonna monopolize Eunsan again (I'm sure he's caught on as Ian has been spending the weekends with his hyung even when they're already together as workmates) and as he seems a smart kid, he knows who Ian likes... and it's NOT him.

Eunpa's heart must be conflicted... as he seems to have a bigger crush on Ian than he lets on.

Sadly, they announced that the last episode is gonna be chapter 129... so I imagine there'll be a HUGE time skip to explain what happens to the couples in the far future. It's hard to imagine how this can end so soon when the issue with Ian's mom is just starting to have serious repercussions. Definitely, the yaoi vibes between Ian and Yugeon can't get any MORE serious or graphic than we've already seen it- since Pengki's previous work didn't do that either, and most likely she'll stick to the safer formula.

I just want to see Ian and Yugeon mature both physically and psychologically... coz that seems to be the direction of this story from the start. Seeing their early high school romance is nice- but it won't be impactful or unforgettable unless we see how this goes BEYOND puppy love and high school romance- coz we already have hundreds of that- and I'm dying to see some continuity that's not just being hyped for the smut and the "coming out to our parents" sceario the way they did in Cherry Blossoms after Winter, which got boring when all the characters did in college was stay in the same dorm and have lots of sex.