Do you think the mysme routes change much if instead of the end goal being romance it's more like becoming best friends? Like obviously this excludes all of the romance and flirting in the routes, but plot wise do you think it would change much?
This. This is such a good question, and I would really love to know other people's thoughts.
In my opinion? I don't think a whole lot would change.
Now, the actual content of the routes would be different, of course. No flirting or kissing or innuendos. But in terms of what each of the characters needs?
Yoosung needs someone who will respect him. He is always the youngest, and the sweetest, and the most innocent—he's been sheltered and coveted, and he doesn't know how it feels to take charge of his own life. Rika was the first person to take him seriously—and even though she did it for her own dubious reasons, it meant something to him, and that's why he became so attached to her. It doesn't matter if you're his partner or if you're his best friend: if you treat him like he means something, he'll start to believe that he might.
Jaehee needs to be adored. She's the hardest worker she's ever met, and she'll work herself into the ground because she's never known anything different. Her whole life, no one has ever looked deep into her eyes and told her she's special. You could love her in all sorts of ways—but as long as you love her for who she is (and not who she tries to be), she'll feel powerful enough to figure out what she really wants.
Zen needs to be seen clearly—not for his talents or his looks but for his kindness and his drive and his gentleness. He wants to be loved, of course: he's dreaming about relationships and holding hands and drinking tea together in the park. But what's most important is that you're honest with him, and that you push him to follow his heart, and that you look at him and see a real person (and someone who's good, and soft, and trying as hard as he can).
Jumin needs to be held gently, and you don't have to be his lover to do this. He is so terrified of being alone that he's cut everyone out (because if you have no one with you then you also have no one to lose). Tell him truthfully what you think of him and listen to him when he's lonely. Give him a hug like you really mean it and remind him that there's a place for him in the world.
Saeyoung needs you to push back against the layers of delusion he's built around himself. He's never really had anyone listen to him before, and he doesn't feel like he deserves to be heard. He needs you to smile at him and then take his face in both hands and tell him he has to be honest with you. He won't do it unless you make him—and if you don't force him to tell you the truth, he'll forget who he is. Romance is not the most important thing; trust matters more.
Jihyun needs to be told that he doesn't bear the weight of the world on his shoulders. He has loved in all the wrong ways, and he isn't sure how it feels to love somebody while still caring for himself. He may not be ready for grand declarations and sweeping you off your feet—he'll get there, if that's what you want. But if you are his friend, he'll cherish you. He hasn't been able to sit in silence with someone and feel at peace in a very long time.
Saeran needs you to remind him that he's strongest when he's weak and gentlest when he's strong. Life has left him in pieces, and he hasn't been able to see a way out. You have to give him your hand and then let him lead the way: hold on tight while he learns how to envision the future. You can love him any way you want—marry him, or be his best friend—but stay by his side and he'll learn to stand on his own, too.
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