livlbivl's Topics (13)

If y'all can't understand that everything the ML does, he does for the MC, then just move on or smth already

oh my HEART

This manhwa does what I wish so many other hunterverse/guideverse stories did...it shows the emotional effects of such a traumatic world on the characters and their relationships. It's so beautiful to see how each character's experiences (positive and negative) shape their perspectives of dungeons, their identity as a hunter, and their willingness to connect with others. They constantly push each other to see things in new ways, and it's so organic and real that I can imagine people actually growing closer like this. Nothing feels rushed or forced. They argue when they don't understand each other and reflect on their mistakes when they realize why the other person reacted in a certain way. The MC is super cynical because he had to watch over a thousand people die when he was a literal child, including his best friend. He views being a hunter as some futile struggle against inevitability. The ML, conversely, is optimistic despite his childhood, because he's seen the good his powers can bring and formed lasting relationships with people he wants to fight for. It's amazing to see how they challenge each other and grow as they learn more about each other. It feels like this story really explores the human aspect of a hunterverse/guideverse story that I feel like I rarely see, at least in BL/yaoi (which never made sense to me, because how can characters go through such traumatic events then bounce back like it's nothing?).

never thought I'd find a metaphor about bananas and dicks to be kind of adorable and poetic

I mean... Nick has never been a total green flag. He was super pushy and love bomb-y getting into this relationship with Owen (putting it lightly, and besides the incident of him almost forcing Owen into bonding). Owen has always been his priority. So, if he thinks something will benefit Owen, whether in the press or for his mental health, he'll do it, fuck the consequences for anyone else. That's just Nick's whole character.

OK, let's talk about it. The rape. First of all, if you are someone who is uncomfortable with the topic of rape in any capacity, please, please, please be safe and do not read a story like this where it is not only discussed but also shown happening to one of the main characters. Your safety and mental well-being come first and foremost, so I want to make it clear that rape IS a part of this story, so beware if that is a trigger.

Now that anyone who doesn't want to read a story with any kind of rape is clear on that, for everyone else, I think a few things should be made clear, so that you can make your own decisions on if you would like to read. For one, the main rape situation that people are talking about is between the mc and the main villain of the story. There is, however (as far as I remember it since it's been a while) dubcon that the ml is kind of the instigator of with the mc? Please correct me if I'm wrong on that, anyone who had read this. Also, I think it's fair to say that the rape between the mc and the villain is not romanticized. It's a horrible situation and both the mc and ml are thoroughly traumatized by it. This isn't one of those situations where the author just ignores the incredibly upsetting thing that just happened and moves on from it because everything is alright as long as they have each other. However, healing is still happening at the end of the side stories, so don't expect everything wrapped up perfectly at the end, unfortunately or fortunately, depending on how you see it.

And here's the thing that I think some might disagree with (you do you). I don't think the rape was "unnecessary" or out of nowhere. (Here is where I get into more spoiler-y specifics if you don't want to see that). The villain has been obsessed with the ml since he was a kid, basically. He wants to overpower him. So when he gets his hands on the ml's man (the mc), he does what he can--he gets to the ml by trying to destroy the mc in every way he can. It's horrible. It's disgusting. And unfortunately, it makes sense for the world they are in and the characters that they are. It also facilitates the ml really coming to terms with the situation his family has put him in, and which he's dragged the mc into. For everyone who hates random rape in stories, I soooo get it. I hate it when it feels like it comes out of nowhere, doesn't change anything about the characters, their actions, and their emotions, and is never addressed. That isn't the case here. It serves a purpose narratively.

But like I said, at the end of the day, everyone has to decide for themselves what they are and aren't comfortable with. There's no shame in deciding that this kind of story isn't your thing and passing on it.

Honestly, this manhwa has some of the best representations of a mature relationship overcoming hurdles that I think I've ever seen. The mc and ml are certainly not perfect, but once they make the decision to date officially, they mean it. They love each other so softly and deeply, it's truly beautiful. I'm not even one for fluff, but I couldn't help smiling at the way they treated each other. I went into this story thinking it might be angsty or upsetting because of a few comments I saw, but honestly, I just felt comforted. Somehow, these two people who have been through so much on their own managed to find each other--once, before they were ready to share their scars, and finally again when they were prepared to. Their sublte growth and love is something I hope I find one day.

well, we know kijoong is coming back while jimin is still in college. or at least, it was heavily hinted since didn't some anonymous insta account start dm-ing jimin pictures, and the last one was in a plane or something (sorry, i have a terrible memory). so it seems like kijoong is excited to reunited with jimin.

they're such lil cutie patooties but the fact that this is still in the past is kinda freaking me out that something sadder or scarier is going to happen before the time skip... maybe i'm just cynical after too many bls

tbh I feel like this is pretty realistic. mc has had to take care of himself and his siblings for basically his whole life. His father abandoned them for nothing. It's got to be so hard to trust not only yourself and your well-being, but those of your siblings (who you basically see as half-sibling, half-child at this point, considering you raised them) to someone who has only been in your life for a little while. Whether he realizes it consciously or not, the mc feels a bit insecure because he sees the ml as being worth more than him. He even just mentioned how the ml is young and handsome and rich, and he's stated multiple times how the ml could do just about anything he wants and have anyone he wants. The mc is understandably hesitant after his experiences and his percieved inadequacy next to his partner. I appreciate that he spoke honestly with the ml, and I hope we see him grow and come to the realization that he can rely on the ml, not just because the ml wants him to, but because it doesn't make the mc any weaker to.