This is interesting because Ivan made his death so memorable that it is engraved into anyone who witnessed its minds permanently. His death was one of the leading causes for Till’s it wormed its way into his mind and despite his act of nonchalance he did care to some degree about Ivan and his passing otherwise it wouldn’t have affected him so much. Ivan was always sort of an outcast we can kinda interpret that through nowhere which can be read as a double meaning as now here and no where. This aligns I believe with the interpretation of him being seen as some kind of bug. People hate bugs, avoid them, forget about them, and get rid of them with minimal remorse. Bugs have a tendency to sacrifice themself for the sake of the hive or colony. Interesting how it sounds like Ivan’s actions in cure. No matter what no matter how freakish people may view him he’s now permanently engraved into their skulls, a bug like existence that will refuse to go away after death. He is now here and nowhere simultaneously at the same time. If he is a bug you know seen as bothersome and annoying a presence no one would miss, could be more insight as to motivations as to why he sacrificed himself. These are not canon but just some thoughts! I mean Ivan knew what he was doing in the round with till he was going to self sacrifice but maybe it wasn’t fully there in selflessness- what if it was done with intention of making his bothersome presence worth it to leave a lasting memory. Or it could maybe be talking about how Ivan has worked his way into Till’s mind and the result of it being the fact till can’t forget about Ivan. It’s like a parasite to those around him. The cover also features centipede like creatures and often times in literature they generally have negative connotations such as repression, anger or even foolishness. (Could be referencing how his guardian viewed cure or maybe even Till’s thoughts on what Ivan did???) To continue on with that point they can also have another meaning of a secret or reprised desire or trait. Ivans repressed desire was Till (he held it back for so long and then in cure is when it came out) but maybe he had another intention of wanting to be unforgotten so that way at least in the eyes of his beloved he would be seen. He does also say thank you for being the victim of my shallow emotions- maybe it wasn’t all about love maybe it was also about the stuff I discussed earlier about him wanting to be remembered and memorable. I believe Ivan wanted to fit in and play with others but he was always an outcast the ones standing off in the back ground watching rather than being an active participant. Maybe his motivation was as I said to leave something worth behind. And maybe this could relate to Mizi finding out about the details of Ivans death and realizing the entire time hiw he was feeling about Till. I believe- don’t quote me on this could very well be incorrect that VIVINOS said at a fansign Till WASNT even aware of Ivan’s feelings until cure happened which if that is true could add a whole other meaning to this title and image.
