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Answered Asks Masterpost

If you’re wondering have I already answered some question(s), under the cut is a list of my previous asks (apart from a couple of exceptions I left out). You can also find all of them under my answered ask tag.

If I have already answered your question, I will link you this masterlist and tag your ask under the other asks tag.

This masterlist will be updated as I go. You can find this pinned on top on my blog.

#ask box stuff #19 days #given

i assume you may already be getting a lot of asks about this but what do you think of mo and tians relationship in the new update 🥺

Hello, dear anon!

Apart from fangirling, I haven't really talked about the latest chapter. I really liked it! There was some hilarious JY comedy and adorable Tianshan cuteness, so I was content.

There were some Tianshan things that I especially liked!

Cracking the nut with bae

I don't know if it’s just me but I found these two panels so endearing. I loved seeing them spending time like that, working on something silly. It reminded me of their age. I loved how MGS went all “trial and error” on the nut. And HT observed so closely at his effort like a curious kid.

MGS touching HT

Another detail I loved was how MGS touched HT’s face. He reached out in concern/panic, and look at how he’s brushing HT’s hair aside to inspect his eye better. I know it might not sound like a big deal but when MGS touches HT out of his own volition, it’s so special and I soak up every drop of it. A glimpse of the caring side of MGS that I love so much.

Also, the art of that panel was so nice. I really love the softer style of doing HT’s hair that OldXian seems to be doing now.

“I will take care of you in the future...”

I loved this ending moment for two reasons. First of all, MGS letting HT be close like that and kind of comforting him sent my Tianshan heart soaring. The way he was concerned but still hesitant and how he pinched HT’s sleeve...I loved that so much. And then he topped that off with “I will take care of you in the future...”! Again, it doesn't sound like a lot, but I think it’s a lot when considering this is MGS we’re talking about. HT was joking about going blind, but I think MGS wasn’t kidding when he said he would take care of him. I’m not saying he meant it 100% literally but rather the sentiment. I think he takes those kinds of things quite seriously.

Another thing I was thinking about was how important that moment of closeness probably was for HT. He knows he’s going to have to leave soon, so he’s trying to soak in every little moment with MGS. To me, it also gave the feeling that he wasn’t just seeking comfort because of the eye but because he’s upset about having to leave. He scraped his brow a little, but the way he’s leaning against MGS makes me think that he’s letting himself be comforted for something else that is making him miserable. I really liked that layer.

Overall a really nice and cute chapter!

#19 days #tianshan #answered ask

idk if you’ve ever been asked this but what do you think is the boys love languages??? i think MGS is (secretly) cooking and words of affirmation. the other 3 boys...im not really sure so i would love to see another opinion on this <3

Hello, dear anon!

Oh, these kinda asks are always so fun!

I’m not really familiar with the different types, so I did the 5 love languages test on HERE while pretending to answer in character. The site asks you to pick between two different options based on what would be more meaningful for you. Sometimes it was hard to pick if I felt like neither choice really fit the character, but I tried to go for the one that fit better. In the end, the site gives you percentages of how the different types are represented in you.

Click on the pictures for better quality!

Mo Guan Shan

According to the site, MGS’s love language is acts of service (33%) and words of affirmation (30%). I could see MGS appreciating if someone he loves/cares about does something for him. He is a very proud person and insists on being independent, but I think he also wants everyone to do their part. As someone who also works hard, he would appreciate other’s effort. MGS also seems to prefer actions over words when he wants to show affection. He cooks, cleans, and offers concrete ways to help someone.

I was surprised that words of affirmation came out this high as well but I suppose it fits him too. Despite everything, I think he likes to hear praises and appreciation. Because of his trust issues, I could see MGS think that actions matter more than words. But I think words still affect him a lot and saying something positive to him means a surprisingly lot to him.

He Tian

HT was probably the hardest one to do this with. In the end, he came out as physical touch (40%) and quality time (27%). We all know how touchy-feely HT is, and I think touch is a very important way to show and receive love/affection/attention for him. If he’s worried, he touches for reaffirmation. If he’s scared, he wants physical comfort. If he’s happy or affectionate, he grabs a hold of you and holds you close. He doesn't like being physically apart if it can be avoided.

Another thing is that I think HT appreciates quality time. He enjoys undivided attention (both giving and receiving) when he’s being with the person he cares about. It doesn't have to be anything grand, just being around them is enough for him. In fact, it’s probably the mundane time spent together that he loves the most.

Jian Yi

JY also turned out to be physical touch (33%) and quality time (30%) but just spread more evenly. I think this combination fits him, too. JY likes touching (ZZX) but I would say it’s more about showing his love and affection. Physical contact isn’t his go-to for every need he has. But he does get a lot of reaffirmation out of well-timed physical touching, too. If he’s feeling insecure, small touch can do wonders for him.

His percentages were almost tied with quality time. I think also JY has that need for undivided attention like HT but JY’s vibe is a bit different. Both HT and JY suffer in loneliness, but JY is like a sun that withers by himself. He comes to life and shines in company, especially if it’s with his loved ones (ZZX). According to JY, the best things are probably done with the person you love, so go on an adventure with them!

Zhan Zheng Xi

ZZX came out similar to JY but just flipped around: quality time (37%) and physical touch (33%). To be honest, most of that description doesn't really connect with ZZX in my head, but I still think the quality time category fits him. ZZX shows love by spending time with you - whether it’s doing some activity or just hanging out. He doesn't demand your undivided attention but if you find yourself hanging out with him regularly, you most probably matter to him a lot.

I would say physical touch fits him too, although more in the giving sense. ZZX isn’t probably that comfortable with receiving a lot of physical contact (depending on the giver, I suppose). But I think physical touch is a surprisingly big part of him showing love, affection and giving comfort. He doesn't necessarily touch you often but when he does, it’s when you realize that you had really needed it.

Thank you for this fun question, dear anon!

Do you guys think these are accurate? What types do you think the boys are?

#19 days #mo guan shan #he tian #jian yi #zhang zheng xi #answered ask

thoughts on the artwork by OX that shows both pairings as canon in the future timeline?? i think that is a MAJOR hint for whats to come eventually- that both pairings are end game.

Hello, dear anon!

Hmm, this is an interesting one. I think I have talked about the official illustrations only once in my previous answers:

MGS being injured in the official art

Just as a heads-up, I find it tricky to draw a lot of conclusions based on the illustrations. I tend to see them as OldXian drawing more freely than with the comic itself. One day it’s mafia AU art. Another day it’s drawing the characters in certain outfits or a setting. And some other day, they are connected to some real-life occasion/holiday/special project. So, by default, I don't take whatever I see in the illustrations as something that will necessarily happen in canon.

“i think that is a MAJOR hint for whats to come eventually- that both pairings are end game”

All that being said, though, I have always assumed the “endgames are told in the illustrations” was...how it was supposed to be? I don't know if that originated from a fan theory, but I have always gone with that thinking. 🤔 Now that you mentioned this, I’m interested if anyone knows who came up with that idea? Because I don't remember OldXian saying it themselves?

But regardless, yes I have always thought that some of the illustrations are portraying how the relationships are in the future:

But I’m not sure if I can really explain why I think like that. I suppose I just always went with the “knowledge” that I saw circling around. 19 Days info/ANs/etc. are so tricky to find and get a sense of, so I relied a lot on people who had been in the fandom longer than me in the beginning. I think that’s where I first heard that the illustrations are from the future timeline. And I’m not saying that can’t be how it is. Just that I’m interested in what is that assumption based on. Especially since I think a lot of the illustrations aren’t really connected to the comic’s timeline/plot and OldXian can basically draw whatever they want in the illustrations as well.

I would say I can see the future in some of the illustrations based on how the characters are acting. In the current timeline, neither of the couples has gotten to the level of intimacy that’s shown in some illustrations. (Especially, with Tianshan.) So, when they display a next-level kind of affection (or even more than that), I would automatically assume that this is where the couples end up after the development we’re currently witnessing. Otherwise, the point of some of the illustrations would be somewhat lost on me.

Another reason why I have always connected some of the illustrations to the future of Zhanyi and Tianshan are the small references to canon. MGS’s earrings probably being the most obvious one. Also, clothing that looks more mature and gives me mafia vibes for HT. Some of Zhanyi’s clothing shows that JY is wearing a high school uniform but ZZX is already in college and seems to live alone.

But putting the illustrations aside, I can’t see any reason why Tianshan and Zhanyi wouldn’t be the endgames? I think it’s pretty obvious they are. It would be quite a bold narrative choice if those relationships didn't end up becoming canon in the end. (I would even say that Zhanyi is canon already.) Now, of course, it could always be argued how canon they will ever be as in how explicit OldXian can make them. On that front, I’m trying to temper my expectations. But I have always believed that both Tianshan and Zhanyi are endgames.

“thoughts on the artwork by OX that shows both pairings as canon in the future timeline”

Since this question kind of threw me and I feel like I can’t give a proper answer, I thought I would take a look at some of the illustrations that I think are from the future.

Zhanyi lovenest

It seems that while JY is repeating high school, ZZX is going to college and lives in an apartment (dorm?). JY seems to either be a frequent visitor or even lives with him. Either way, I like the idea that they have this private space now where they can be themselves. I’m sure JY is still the one who initiates lovey-dovey things, but I could definitely see ZZX being more comfortable too if they’re at his place just the two of them.

Mafia!HT(?) visiting MGS?

It’s not really made clear in the future-related chapters but I love the idea that HT ends up joining his family business one way or another. He spends time away from MGS but comes to him whenever he can. When he’s with MGS, he charges up and gets the safety, comfort and intimacy that he needs. And since MGS of course worries about him whenever HT is gone (and MGS doesn't always hear from him), his caring side comes out more easily. He lets HT soak up whatever he needs and - gasp - maybe he could even spoil HT a little in his own way. It would be kind of bitter-sweet but I think the distance could enhance the character traits of both of them nicely. (Especially in MGS’s case.)

I feel like I can’t really say much about this question, but I do agree with you that some of the illustrations are from the future and that Tianshan and Zhanyi will be the endgames.

Thank you for your question, dear anon!

#19 days #tianshan #zhanyi #answered ask

do you think that tianshans relationship is too violent??? or do you think that’s just their dynamic???

Hello, dear anon!

That is a tricky question for sure. I have talked about my take on violence-related topics a couple of times before:

Is Tianshan toxic part 1 and part 2

HT as a discipliner for MGS

Violence in Zhanhyi vs. violence in Tianshan

Was HT too pushy with MGS? (ch. 333 extra)

HT with JY vs. HT with MGS

My Tianshan “timeline” and its continuum

You would probably be the most interested in my comparison of Zhanyi and Tianshan when it comes to violence. But I would recommend taking an overall look.

“do you think that tianshans relationship is too violent or do you think that’s just their dynamic”

Whenever it comes to these kinds of questions, I like to keep two things in mind: context and subjectivity. I think context matters when it comes to whatever we’re doing. It doesn’t excuse the things that have been done but it explains them. And if I can understand the reasons/see behind the behavior, to me it changes how I feel about said thing.

Secondly, I’ve found that these kinds of questions are surprisingly subjective. As you said yourself, do I think their relationship is too violent? I don’t think anyone can deny that their relationship has violence in it, but am I bothered by it? We all have different tastes when it comes to fictional dynamics. Some people take issue with the violence in Tianshan, and that’s valid. To them, it’s too much and puts them off. To some other people, it doesn't make them uncomfortable. They are not bothered by it at all. Then there are all the rest (like myself) who are sprinkled somewhere in between the two opposites on the spectrum.

Now, I think that situation is perfectly fine, but issues come up when people start to moralize others who are placed somewhere else on that spectrum than themselves. Thinking Tianshan is (too) violent is perfectly acceptable, but saying things like “you are gross/toxic/messed up for shipping something like Tianshan” isn’t. In my books, at least. (I’m sorry, dear anon, I know you weren't saying anything like that! I just wanted to finish where I was going with all this.)

Anyway, I think those two principles apply to the violence in Tianshan as well.

When it comes to 19 Days, especially, I would say context is quite important. A lot of the humor in the comic is based on the boys physically hurting each other. This goes for Tianshan, too (ch. 150, 160, 170, 256. 281, 298, 339):

MGS slaps and punches HT. HT twists his balls and pushes him down. I get it if that’s not exactly funny to everyone, but it’s still how 19 Days’ comedy works. The characters aren’t left with injuries or trauma; usually the slaps are forgotten and bloody noses healed by the next panel. For the most part, I find the comedic moments funny.

In general, I think the type of comedy that 19 Days has is where the Chinese/Asian and Western fandoms clash culturally. I’m not that familiar with Chinese comedy tropes, but from what I’ve understood it’s not uncommon that teenage boys mess with each other physically like that in Chinese culture. Especially, that whole “twisting the balls” thing. (Please, someone correct me if I’m completely wrong about this! This is just what I’ve heard from non-Western people.)

Other than comedy, context is also important to keep in mind when it comes to other occasions of violence between HT and MGS. I think the best example of this was when HT confronted MGS about his past with SL and got physical with MGS (ch. 295):

I remember there was a lot of fandom discussion about this moment. A lot of people felt like HT had gone back to his old ways and he was forcing MGS again. Ultimately, it was seen as him being abusive and toxic.

And to be fair, I think they were right in saying that HT regressed to his old habits. I would say that was the whole point of that moment. SL lurking around and his veiled threats towards MGS had put HT on edge. He was restless and uneasy about the whole situation. It was made even worse by how he was basically left on the blind side of everything since he didn't know what SL was holding over MGS’s head. So, it wasn’t a surprise that his impatience and uneasiness came out as him using physical strength on MGS.

Again, people who (still) were turned off by HT’s behavior are valid and I can see where they are coming from. But there were reasons as to why HT was behaving in such ways. To some, the reasons don’t matter because they don't change the actions themselves. And they would be correct in saying so, but I think those reasons are still important to keep in mind when interpreting moments like these.

As I said, this topic is also about subjectivity and I put myself somewhere between the two ends of the spectrum. For the most part, I’m not bothered by the violence in Tianshan. I can see its comedic purposes or I’m interested in it for contextual reasons. But there have been occasions when I’ve been somewhat uncomfortable with the violence or that it’s come across needlessly rough to me. (Even if I have understood the context behind it.)

Sometimes I’m a bit taken aback by the roughness of the violence (ch. 138, 222, 234):

These panels always came across a bit extreme to me. I can see the build-up context behind them and understand where the blow-up stemmed from (MGS talking back to HT, and HT pushing MGS’s buttons after he had been worried for HT). But they still make me kinda go “okay... 🥴“. These moments were too much for me, personally, even if Tianshan is my OTP.

There have also been a couple of occasions when HT’s pushiness makes me a bit uncomfortable (ch. 174, 333, 342 [the last translation is by @1154lizz 🖤]):

And again, I see the context behind these moments - HT taking a joke too far, “touch my balls” kind of comedy, and...I guess taking the overall “pushy vs. tsundere” to the extreme. The first two moments I have somewhat gotten more comfortable with later on. I think the first kiss served as a good reflection point for both characters. HT trying to make MGS massage his balls as revenge goes in the overall category of 19 Days humor for me. The last panels are probably the only ones that still make me cringe. I think it’s mostly about how the situation is portrayed because when HT was stripping MGS to go swimming in the earlier chapters it didn't make me uncomfortable at all.

So, when you ask is Tianshan “too violent” or is it “just their dynamic”, I think those two things can coexist. It’s not an either-or situation to me. I would say violence is a part of the Tianshan dynamics. (Violence is also a big part of 19 Days in general.) HT pushes while MGS pulls. And as two strong-willed characters, they also clash a lot. And I love those things about them. That dynamic is partly why I’m drawn to them.

But the violence can still be too much to me or other people. It’s possible that kind of dynamics isn't to someone’s taste in general, and the violence makes them uncomfortable. It’s also possible that occasionally the violence goes too far even if you shipped Tianshan. I don’t think you can say there is some universal level of “this much violence is fine” without making it sound like you’re moralizing. It’s different for everyone. I’m sure some people have been perfectly fine with the things that have made me uncomfortable, and I don't see a problem in that. As a Tianshan shipper, the “it’s so toxic/violent/abusive” discourse can get a bit tiring at times, but as long as we’re talking about the ship (and not the shippers), I think everyone is free to voice their interpretations.

Thank you for your question, dear anon!

#tianshan #19 days #answered ask

I feel like these two panels sum up Tianshan perfectly

#19 days #tianshan #if anyone asks just show them these #my 19 days post

myscprin

Qiu thinking about how to tell He Cheng JY broke his ass and HT has a bump on his brow...because of a walnut.

#19 days #brother qiu

pierrot-et-colombine-deactivate

“waiting for the summer” zhanyi fan art [january 2020]

#19 days #zhanyi #SO BEAUTIFUL #I'M WEEPING

Anime tag game aka me talking about the same three anime I always talk about because I never watch anything new

I was tagged by @19elaine Thank you! 🖤

Favorite anime: Ping Pong the Animation. I urge people to watch this. The art is super interesting. The story has amazing symbolism. The MC isn’t the typical sports anime protagonists for once. In fact a lot of the sports anime tropes are flipped over. Give. This. A. Chance. I. Beg. Of. You.

Least favorite anime: Let’s switch to the opposite end of sports anime: Yowamushi Pedal. It’s...no. I liked some of the characters, but the MC got on my nerves so much. I hate it when MCs just make up for everything with effort alone. The pacing was stretched to hell and back. The character designs made my eyes bleed. The choice of sport was boring (also biking shorts are surprisingly not a flattering anime look...). And then the first season ends with the most boring way possible that did not invite me to watch another season of the same.

Favorite anime movie: To be honest, I don’t watch a lot of anime movies but my favorite is definitely Koe no Katachi.

Anime you cried hardest at: I have two. Run with the Wind always makes me cry when Shindo-san is running his part of the marathon relay while barely staying on his feet because of his fever. That shit just...gets me every time. Another one if Given’s 9th episode when Mafuyu sings “Fuyu no Hanashi” and they show flashbacks of him and Yuki. You can’t listen to Mafuyu’s s seiyuu say “I miss you” without getting teary-eyed. I dare you.

Favorite anime character: Oof, this is a tricky one. If we’re talking about strictly anime characters, I would go with Oikawa Tooru from Haikyuu. It was love at first sight and we have been going strong for years. Such a nice, layered character. However, if I can also include anime that I have also the original manga for, I would say either Ugetsu Murata or Akihiko Kaji from Given. Ugetsu is one of most fascinating characters I have ever read and I relate to Akihiko a lot on a personal level.

Shoujo or shounen: Probably shounen. I think I have only watched two shoujos in my life: Banana Fish (...if you insist) and Gakuen Babysitters. But I’m not really into the hype action shounen. I mostly watch shounen sports.

If you could shift into an anime universe, which one? I usually watch anime with “realistic” universes, so...I guess Given would be interesting...Another one would be Boku no Hero Academia because of the quirks.

I’m tagging anyone who wants to do this 😊

#tag game #behind the keyboard

Let’s catch up with the tag games I got this week 🏃‍♀

#behind the keyboard

mopillow

Mo:

He Tian, with a list of things he wants Mo to do for him including a sponge bath:

We all know he would cover that eye for years before Jian Yi tells Mo

#19 days #tianshan #OMG 😂😂

hello!! I am a fellow Ugetsu fan (I feel we are not many but growing ever bigger in number!), I really like all your Ugetsu meta and I wanted to ask what, for you personally, would be a good point for Ugetsu’s character arc by the end of the manga. I hope we get more content from him from sensei!! And if we do, what would you like to see?

Hello there, dear fellow Ugetsu fan!

It’s always so nice to meet other Ugetsu fans! I feel like the movie grew our numbers a little. Based on what I’ve heard, seeing Ugetsu in the movie made people see him differently and sympathize with him more.

And thank you for reading my Ugetsu musings! I’m glad to hear you’ve enjoyed them.

“what, for you personally, would be a good point for Ugetsu’s character arc by the end of the manga”

This is a very good question. I think my personal vision for Ugetsu’s “endpoint” is based on what we saw in the Ugetsu extra booklet that was published with the Blueray release of the movie. I think there were a few more prominent points in there that hint at what Ugetsu’s future will look like. You can find pictures of the booklet HERE and separate English translations HERE.

Ugetsu and Mafuyu

Mafuyu congratulating Ugetsu for his win and Ugetsu sending him a squirrel “thank you” sticker made me so happy:

I really wish Mafuyu and Ugetsu will stay in touch and Ugetsu will remain connected to the story through that friendship. I understand that the whole Ugetsu-Akihiko-Haruki arch is done now, but I could definitely see Ugetsu popping up via Mafuyu. I feel like their friendship and how they seemed to connect would be so important to Ugetsu. With Mafuyu, he would feel like someone out there does understand/listen to him. Mafuyu not only sees Ugetsu but also tries to reach him. He hears what Ugetsu is trying to say and is able to put those things into his own music which talks to Ugetsu in return. I don't think Ugetsu has that with anyone else.

So, in the end, I could see Ugetsu still being part of the story via Mafuyu. As I’ve said before, I really don't think Kizu wrote Ugetsu as some kind of villain. He isn’t an evil witch who needs to be cast out in the end. I think his relationship with Mafuyu supports that discourse and I really hope Mafuyu seeing Ugetsu as human will keep reminding the readers of that.

Ugetsu and Akihiko

Akihiko sent Ugetsu a text saying “Congrats” and Ugetsu talks about how someday the butterfly will grow beautiful wings:

When the booklet came out, I saw people - both AkiHaru shippers and Ugetsu stans - being worried about that text Akihiko sent Ugetsu. People seemed to take the message as Akihiko still being hung up on Ugetsu even if he’s already going out with Haruki. Others saw it as Akihiko being toxic because he was causing Ugetsu pain by staying in touch.

Personally, I could see Ugetsu and Akihiko remaining somewhat like friends even after the break-up. They didn't break up hating each other. Their break-up was more about being finally able to let go of each other, not about one of them doing something that broke their relationship and caused the other to hate his guts. In the end, they were both hurting and knew that they were better apart.

I think Kizu making Akihiko send that text was a representation of what Ugetsu talked about with Mafuyu before the AkiUgetsu break-up (vol. 5 ch. 27):

In Given, “music” has a lot of symbolic value and drive. It’s this infinite, abstract place that stores memories and people who have been important to the characters. But it also represents new relationships and keeps shifting in nature. AkiUgetsu had their own kind of music, and now Akihiko is playing a new kind of music with Haruki. But music will always remain.

Music will keep Akihiko and Ugetsu connected on some level. Even if they are no longer in a romantic relationship, they will always share “music”. It’s where their shared memories reside (what they used to be). It’s where they can see each other (what they are now). None of that means they are still hung up on each other. They are not getting back together. It’s more of a parallel to how Mafuyu is still connected to Yuki via music. A new dawn is breaking for both Ugetsu and Mafuyu, but music is always left behind from those previous relationships while it’s also the way for both of them to move forward.

Another thing about them remaining in contact via music is that despite everything, I think Ugetsu is happy for Akihiko. In the booklet, he talked about how neither of them was able to spread their wings in the suffocating basement. Ugetsu was unable to be free with his music whereas Akihiko had lost his passion for his music. I think Ugetsu seeing Akihiko play the violin again - playing it with motivation, drive, and a purpose - would make him happy. After all, it’s what he had wanted for Akihiko all this time. It might be laced with bitter-sweetness (like nearly all happiness in Given) for Ugetsu, but ultimately I think it would give him joy to see Akihiko fly.

So, personally I can see Akihiko still being a part of Ugetsu’s life even a little in the end.

Ugetsu’s future relationships - yay or nay?

I’ve seen people talk about if they would like Ugetsu to end up finding another love interest by the time Given ends. Some seem to prefer he didn’t while others would be interested in seeing him find someone.

Personally, I would say I’m fine with either path but lean more towards him remaining by himself in the end. First of all, I think Ugetsu finding himself a new love interest wouldn’t be a good idea pacing-wise. It would come too fast. Akihiko was already in love with Haruki by the time AkiUgetsu broke up. Living at Haruki’s place had made him realize that he had loved Ugetsu but now it was painful and suffocating.

I believe Ugetsu, on the other hand, still loved Akihiko when Akihiko finally broke up with him. That’s why it had to be Akihiko who let go of Ugetsu’s hand and walked away in the end. Ugetsu was hurting in their relationship, but he still “loved Akihiko to death”. Of course, we don't know how long it will still take for Given to finish, but I feel like it would still be too soon for Ugetsu.

Secondly, I feel like Ugetsu falling in love with someone new would defeat his overall “character”. A part of why he wanted to break up with Akihiko was how his love for Akihiko affected his music. He became more occupied with Akihiko and chased him instead of his music. I’m not saying he can never fall in love with anyone, but rather that he is now free to pursue music like had wanted to. He can now spread his wings, too, without worrying about snuffing out someone else’s.

Also, I think Ugetsu’s character could represent the idea that you don't need a romantic relationship to feel happy and fulfilled. Ugetsu strikes me as the type who could find those things in his music and be “independent” like that. If after everything he said about wanting to chase his music he began another relationship, it would somewhat reverse the journey he went through in the comic. I think if he found another romantic interest, they would have to be a well-fleshed-out character, and I’m not sure if the comic really has time for that. I wouldn’t want Ugetsu’s new partner to be some kind of sidenote in the margins since falling in love (again) would be such a big thing for Ugetsu’s character.

Overall, I’m not against Ugetsu finding someone new per se but I just think it’s not a good idea because of pacing and what it would mean for Ugetsu’s overall character development. I think it would be better if he takes time to pursue his music, figure himself out more and go for some adventures on his own, and that’s where we leave him off once Given ends.

In general, I think Ugetsu will be just fine in the end. I don’t personally want to be an angst-monger when it comes to his future. He went through something painful and is recovering but he seems to be determined to find new kind of happiness.