Bunnie

[burntbagelsandwaflles]

Why Gun and Daniel’s Relationship Actually Makes Sense: Can you love the teacher more than you hate the criminal? (It gets pretty long, I'm sorry 😭)

I want to start off by saying that this is all just my own personal opinion that I wanted to share! So take this with a grain of salt as this just a general observation; I sectioned the meta into 5 parts so it's easier to read and I apologize for any typos or grammar mistakes that may have slipped. 🩷 (I also want to say that I still have to catch up to the latest chapters as i took a break from lookism around the Busan arc so feel free to correct me if anything has been updated without my knowledge)

and without further explanation let's get into it:

lot of people call Daniel a hypocrite for the way he treats Gun. They say he condemns Gun’s crimes but still visits him. That he fought him, yet still respects him. That his stance changed too quickly. (Which I don't blame anyone for and it is a criticism of mine too)

But I think that criticism misses something fundamental — not just about Daniel, but about Gun himself.

Daniel isn’t really inconsistent and Gun isn’t nessecarly out of character. Their relationship makes sense — precisely because it breaks the pattern Gun established with everyone else and makes us see side of these two characters that we have never previously explored.

Gun's Intial Interest In People; And What Is Required To Be Seen As "Fit":

Gun initially takes interest in Daniel due to his copy ability and immense untapped potential. But I think this is the first part where gun's motivations with Daniel start diverging from his previous ones

Gun disqualified practically all of his students for straying from where they were supposed to go or for their wavering loyalty.

Gun discarded johan because he couldn't control his crew. Gun literally told him he was "unworthy" and left him crying in the rain. I dont even think the guy liked Johan beyond his talent.

Gun and Jake's relationship was strictly business. Gun sent Jake to prison because Big Deal was involved in illegal gambling that got traced back. Yet again, gun invested in potential he saw, but still discarded Jake when he proved himself to be unworthy in gun's eyes

Gun just refused to train Samuel because he'd be too unstable to run a gang, that's it. At least Jake had the leadership skills to be qualified to be a crew head, much less his successor.

This one is more of an oddball since the relationship between Gun and Eli soured because their goals and ideologies became fundamentally incompatible, even though Eli was gun's favorite and gun's ideal, ruthless successor. Eli prioritised his family over the power, money, and violence that Gun demanded. He was essentially perfect in gun's eyes until he decided to walk away. He never really got disqualified but more disqualified himself.

Gun ultimately let go of most of his formal students due to their inability to control their crew or uphold his expectations.

Basically, you had to have talent, leadership, control, ruthlessness, loyalty, and the capacity to inherit violence, If you wavered on any of those, you were out

Talent and potential are still a big criteria for gun perhaps the biggest and I'm not saying otherwise, but it's not the only thing required to pass, you can have infinite potential and talent but if you're incapable of leading a couple of people that will still disqualify you. It was never talent alone that got you a ticket to training if you had to run a crew

Gun is still drawn to strength above all. He's fascinated by lethal potential and intrigued by the idea of being killed by something he created. Those arrested constants that will never change.

Daniel didn't have people to lead, nor did he want to be gun's successor when he asked gun to train him, Didn’t ask to run a crew, and didn’t align with Gun’s ideology yet gun *still* trained him. daniel is clearly somehow an exception.

Gun trained Eli, Jake, olly, and Johan for their talent and potential too, yes, but with the goal of overseeing one of the 4 major crews and becoming his successor. There was a preexisting system that the gun had to work within. There was profit and succession and hierarchy involved. And he disqualified them when they didn't conform to it anymore

Why Daniel May Differ:

Gun never trained daniel for a specific purpose or ulterior motives. There's no real strings attached. Gun isn't using Daniel to run a crew for money. He's training Daniel for the sake of strength itself, not even to be his successor, just to develop that potential that daniel isn't making use of, daniel essentially brings out guns want to train people and invest in pure talent and potential

Daniel’s copy ability definitely hooks him at first. That’s textbook Gun — he spots rare talent and wants to test it. Daniel just wants to grow in strength because he's tired of being weak, and that happens to exactly be guns expertise. Almost like an artist obsessing over perfecting a piece not to sell it, not to weaponize it,  but just because the craft matters.

Gun doesn't have to play businessman or enforcer like he has to with the other crew heads. There's a certain layer of professionalism and obligation due to the nature of gun orders to create the 4 major crews, hense he demands nothing but perfection and talent for the heads.

Even though gun genuinely enjoys nurturing potential and talent the head's have, it's still within the confinement of shaping them into people worthy of one day taking his place and running a gang, like I said he's operating in a system, he wasn’t just cultivating talent for the sake of it like with daniel but he was fulfilling an order. He had to produce leaders. And potential successors, every mistake they make relfects on him (the latter is purely on him, though), and that means he can't be as lenient as he is with daniel

He can just be daniel's teacher, and that's it.

daniel can mess up, but that doesn't affect gun like it does with the crew whom he has to actively supervise. Gun wasn't obligated to train daniel. The guy literally had to beg him on his knees before taking him in. He's not molding daniel for a specific purpose he just wants to make him his masterpiece (and the fact that daniel genuinely wanted to learn and be trained by gun instead of being forced into it probably helped a lot)

Daniel shaping up to become gun successor is something that happens organically and naturally. gun initially only intended for him to be his "masterpiece," not a role that was already decided. There's no real end goal besides "make the kid strong." So that's why I think gun is so ecstatic at the way daniel turned out. It's a surprise joy.

which i also think is the reason as to why gun was still proud of daniel in 504 despite completely beating his ass. The guy was pleasantly surprised that daniel turned out to be a legitimate candidate for being his successor and hense killing him,

that's why he tells him with so much joy that daniel is allowed to kill him (which implied he wasn't before) and the final score of 72/100, gun never really cared about the outcome of the fight, but it still managed to entertain him. That is the only time we saw gun genuinely enjoying himself in a fight against someone inferior to him without getting bored. (And also seeing how daniel progressed) He’s delighted. Not because Daniel hurt him. Not because Daniel almost won. Not because the stakes were high. But because Daniel qualified. It’s just Gun (as a teacher) watching his favorite project shaping up to become someone worthy of killing him

How Gun Treats Daniel Differently:

I find this fight interesting not only because of that but also because of the way gun behaves.

Gun is known to absolutely humiliate and destroys the people he had under him when they fail to fulfill the purpose he had in mind for them, be it professional or feat wise, betrayal, loss, being overly attached these are all reason that gun has discarded people over. My point is that Gun is consistent. Except with Daniel

daniel manages to break ALL those rules yet *still* stays on gun's good side, the same guy who gives disproportionate consequences for half of what daniel has done.

daniel directly opposes himself to gun and fights him to prevent him from getting to his goal during the hunt for gun. Yet gun never... really takes it personally.

On the contrary. He doesn’t care that Daniel disagrees with him. Or that he's technically betraying him.  He cares that Daniel can stand against him and even encourages him to do so.

Gun doesn’t switch into his usual degrading tone. He doesn’t verbally shred him. He doesn’t sneer. He doesn’t call him a failure even when he's getting completely dominated in that fight (while he totally had the others have it and calls out the other heads incompetence). He teaches him mid-fight. He corrects him. He praises him. He evaluates him and even deems proud of daniel despite him having lost quite easily.

But the thing is that daniels essential "betrayal" of gun never came from a place of resentment or revenge, but it was for a bigger goal of retrieving the red paper, and neither hold a grudge over it later.

And of course, we know that during the short while gun was training Daniel, they did develop some kind of bond, while gun did relentless beat up daniel he also seemed to grow fond of him along the way maybe seeing him as more than just a "work in progress"! (I mean he made him sushi. What more could daniel ask for)

Why I don't Think Daniel Is A Hypocrite:

People like to claim that daniel is a hypocrite for changing his stance on gun so quickly when he seemed to condemn his actions before, but if we look deeper into it and with a little more empathy it's quite easy to see why.

daniel came to understand gun and saw a side of him that no one ever did on top of gaining immense respect for him because he was the only one there when he felt completely helpess to do anything *gun was daniel's mentor* and we come to see that this mentor ship also extend beyond the bonds of just strength and fighting. (more on that later)

We could say that daniel isn't used to people helping him when he's at his lowest and especially in his OG body, he was relentlessly bullied, beaten, verbally and physically abused all his life and he only now decided to take matters into his own hands amd change things for himself even if it was motivated by his need to retrieve his second body.

Daniel, until then, has soley been relying on his second body for his day to day life. It's pretty easy to see that daniel doesn't value his OG body up until this point due to the things he went through due and with it. Everyone else in Daniel’s life loved him *despite* his OG body (like his mom) or loved him *because* of his Perfect Body (like his school friends initially but that later developed into genuine connection).

Gun is essentially the *first person* to ever help daniel in the body he ultimately considered hopeless (he was only using it as a means to an end until now) to the point where he felt comfortable enough to use it more often if not more than the perfect body even long after retrieving it.

When Gun trained him, he forced Daniel to stop relying on the "cheat code" of the second body and made Daniel own his own skin. Which would be something huge for someone like daniel.

Daniel was never really after gun in the first place. He was after Charles Choi, and gun was standing in the way. Gun was never realy "daniels enemy" even if he despised him. It's more of a *"I will fight you because I have to, but I will never stop respecting the man who gave me my life back."*

It also helps that Daniel is likely the only person who has seen Gun eat, sleep, and just exist without the suit and the intimidation factor since he literally lived with him for a while, gun trusted daniel enough to train him in his own house and I think those factors definitely humanized gun a lot more in daniels eyes.

Daniel is essentially gun's first student who *didn't* end up turning on him later down the line, even going as far as to maintain that mentor/mentee relationship long after daniels training was over and his fight with daniel. In a world where everyone sees Gun as a "monster," a "legend," or straight up an asshole, Daniel is the only one who trully saw him as a teacher and still regards him a such, gun even lets him call him hyun and that's still sticking till now

It's less about hypocrisy and more about profoundly human gratitude. You can condemn someone and understand why others hate them due to their horrible actions, but also feel attached to that person due to personal experiences, and those two statements can and should coexist

Daniel is a naturally very empathetic person (and the mc) but he's also still human, he's prone to be biased and objective but that's what makes daniel daniel, he acknowledges that gun's actions can never be excused, it's not like he wiped gun's misdeeds out of his memory, but when you spend so much time with someone and get to know them your view of them is prone to change, and you naturally recontexteualise their previous actions because you see them in a new light.

Daniel doesn't have amnesia. He knows Gun has done terrible things. But **subjectivity is a hell of a drug.** When a "monster" is the only person who stays up with you, eats with you, and pushes you to be your best self of course you wouldn't treat them as such.

People want characters to be moral compasses 24/7, but Daniel isn't a robot; he’s a kid who was saved from his awful situation by the most unlikely person possible.

​It’s that classic philosophical conflict: Can you love the teacher while hating the criminal? For Daniel, the answer is a complicated "Yes."

Hypocrisy is claiming to have moral standards that you don't actually follow. Daniel isn't doing that. He isn't saying, "Gun is a good man." He’s saying, "Gun is my teacher."

Daniel is incredibly honest about his bias. He doesn't try to convince Vasco or Jake or anyone that Gun is a saint. He keeps his gratitude personal. Daniel was even willing to fight Gun during the "Hunt for Gun" arc. A true hypocrite would have stepped aside or joined him. Daniel performed his duty to his friends, but he did it with a heavy heart, which is the most "Daniel" thing possible. Daniel is a complex character who is allowed some grace when what he has to do and what he feels are clashing, but he ultimately still does what he thinks is right.

Daniel visiting him in prison isn't him condoning Gun's crimes or forgiving him for everything. It’s more him refusing to abandon the man who didn't abandon him when he was at his lowest. It’s radical empathy, and it’s probably Daniel’s greatest superpower

Why Gun and Daniel Nicely Contradict Each Other but Still Ultimately Work:

When Daniel says he didn't give up Gun's location because he didn't want him to get hurt, he's treating Gun with human empathy. To a guy like Gun, who is used to everyone wanting him dead or fearing him, that kind of genuine care from his "Masterpiece" must have been a total culture shock and he is in fact perplexed by it. He calls him pathetic for it, but there's no real bite to it. We know guns have always struggled with those kinds of feelings. It's normal why he'd fail to understand but still accept it.

And in a way, gun never stops mentoring daniel when the training is over, he advices him even while in prison (something we have never seen Gun do) he only accepted for daniel to visit him, you could argue that he was about to open up but backed out of it, but gun still told though daniel lessons and "morals" that he wasn't obligated to teach. Like never to regret the choices he made or that life is all about consequences.

Gun telling Daniel not to regret his choices is the most important lesson he could ever give a kid as empathetic as Daniel. Daniel carries the weight of the world on his shoulders; Gun is teaching him the mental toughness needed to survive the consequences of being a leader.

When Gun talks about consequences, he’s not just talking about the law. He’s talking about the path they’ve both chosen. Gun knows he belongs in that cell (or worse), and he’s teaching Daniel that true strength is standing by your actions, win or lose. It’s a "dark" moral, but it’s an honest one. And one daniel needs to hear.

Daniel needs to learn those lessons of we wants to continue to walk in the path he chose. Gun may be a harsh mentor, but he's a needed one, and he contrasts daniel beautifully. They have opposing morals and convictions, yet even people like them can get along.they both grew. Gun gave Daniel the teeth he needed to actually survive and enforce his morals, and Daniel gave Gun a reason to feel pride in something other than destruction.

Daniel needs Gun's perspective. If Daniel stayed purely "good" and "soft," he would have been crushed by the likes of Charles Choi or anyone else looooong ago, and surely he will need it in the future. Gun taught him that conviction without power is just a dream. To change the world, Daniel had to be willing to step into the mud, and Gun was the one who held his hand (but more like occasionally punched him in the face and drag him through it) while he did it.

they both grew. Gun gave Daniel the teeth he needed to actually survive and enforce his morals, and Daniel gave Gun a reason to feel pride in something other than destruction.

I hope this wasn't too long and that I was able to convey my idea well enough and have a great day!

[yin-yun]

I agree with you wholeheartedly with this

people who call themselves "fans" don't actually have reading comprehension, they think lookism is only black and white, gang fights, power scaling etc.

Black and White

lookism to me is complex but also it can really connect to people, an example of this is the characters

every lookism character in any shape or form, good or evil, male or female are just complex humans, they are just human to me. It's what makes them beautiful because they're human

Ex.

Daniel, Daniel to me is not perfect, but it's okay to not me perfect. his desicion are sometimes stupid, he is naive... but he can be smart, empathetic and as well as being a kind person. Daniel is just a teenager who somehow got into this gang mess, a person who just got into this mess because of someone's greed

that's what makes Daniel an amazing mc, a child who didn't need to fix everyone's mess but he did it anyway because he is kind, he also try emphasized and understand the people who are horrible, evil even or even that one who back stabbed him (Jiho).

Let's move to Gun, people tend to view Gun to be evil, a monster, a tool, a person who deserves to die... everyone who interacted with Gun thought of him as those things until the end... with the exception of Goo and Daniel... to Goo, Gun is a genuine friend, a person who can understand him... Daniel, at first he thought of Gun is a bad person (which is true), but now Daniel understands Gun. Daniel knows what Gun did but he also think Gun as his teacher/mentor and as his brother

Gun is quite literally the embodiment of a child who had never felt or received love from the people who should've given it to him, Gun is a child of expectation, obsession, and toxicity of a family.

That is why Gun is like this, he is smart and he understands the evil of the world, the reality of the world. That is what makes him human and that's how he is an amazing character, and an amazing mentor to Daniel who is naive of the world.

[yin-yun]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME BECAUSE I GOT MY MAN ON MY BIRTHDAY!!!

LORD, THANK YOU FOR GIVING THIS TO ME!!

🤭😘🥰😘🤭😘😘🤭🥰🥰🤭😘😘

[yin-yun]

okay guys, I have a hot take.

If ptj put some bullshit reason why Charles Choi is a villain I'm going to lose it.

like, if they put some tragic bullshit in his story I will fucking crash out.

I want Charles Choi to stay pure evil, like Aizen type shit evil.

I love villains that are actually evil, without those sob story past, they're evil just because they are evil.

[yin-yun]

It's late and I got nothing to do so now I'm overthinking about something.

Yearning... that's the word I use to describe how I feel about the lookism characters... I yearn to be by their side, I yearn to be there for them... I yearn to talk to them... to understand them... to feel them... to be in their world...

Love... a word that I want to use to describe that feeling but... the feeling cannot truly be describe as love because they aren't real... and everytime I think about it it makes me cry...

[dood-itsradical]

Hello dood! this is not a request, I just wanna ask you something.

In lookism, who do you think you would be friends with?

me personally, I think I'd be friends with mostly everyone but I'd be a fake bitch for some of them.

I'd be friends with (not in particular order);

Zack, Zack is a type of guy that I would argue all the time about stupid shit, play fights with, and if I'm upset he would totally would do some silly stupid shit to make me laugh, or if a guy makes me uncomfortable he you beat the daylights out of the guy while I'd say "yeah! beat that asshole up! I wouldn't tell Mira about you fighting again so beat that bitch to the hospital!heheheh!". I think our friend trope would be responsible x dumbass.

next would be probably Daniel, Daniel is sweet, approachable but a little awkward with girls, our interactions would be opposite with Zack, Daniel and I would would be just chilling, he would probably invite me to have a walk in the park because sun is good for you (I literally hate going out but I would do it just because it's Daniel, Daniel smile is enough sun for me), I actually like night walks but nighttime makes me nervous of people so Daniel probably join me to make me feel safer. our friend trope would be sun x moon.

then next would be my pretty Mira, Mira and I would get along, like read together in silence, have deep conversations, and we both stand on what we believe in. bonus would be I would be a cupid for Zack and Mira heheheeh. our friend trope would be calm x calm.

I'd be fake with (not in particular order);

Crystal, it's not that I hate her (I hate her), I don't know how to interact with her both her bodies, so far she's still is a bit of a hypocrite. I won't ignore her, I would just put her in arms length.

next would be Vin, Vin is literally everything I hate in a guy, loud, obnoxious, narcissistic, no boundaries, a dumbass who doesn't give two shits about consequences. if I have no self restraint I'd kick him in the balls if he approaches me but most of the time I would ignore him.

then next would be Jiho, I don't like him because his selfish, have a lack of self awareness, lack of communication, he only thing about what is beneficial to him and it pisses me off. I would initially talk to him but I would ignore him either.

anyways, I have more to talk about but this would be too long. I hope you don't mind my ramblings because I don't have anyone irl to talk about lookism... so if you don't mind, I would like to talk to you more about lookism and other stuff ☺

p.s, I really love you and your work, I hope you don't overdo it and always take care of your health and be careful on what you eat. love from me! ☺

I appreciate the rambling and the engagement on my work! My blog and dm is a safe place for you <3

Uhhh I don't make friends outside either so I tend to prefer loneliness cuz I'm an extreme introvert irl. I'm the type to just stay in my lane really, unless someone came up to me first and I'll be pretty chatty. I'm literally the side characters. But lowkey it would be easy for me to befriend Daniel, Jay, Vasco, Jace and the girls (Zoe, Mira and Joy). Not that Zack is any hard, but I can imagine getting ignore by that dude 😭 and I wouldn't even complain.

Uh I wouldn't even come close to the dance and vocal dept, they're scary and I'm a loser. I would?? Be friends with Eli??? You know the type of person to exchange small hi as you pass by day by day and eventually became familiar. That. Also would befriend Duke and Jiho?? Duke is easy. As for Jiho I would keep my distance but won't completely ignore him. Like imagine he needs help I will try but I always have to interrogate further. And if he tries to peer pressure me, that shit just don't work lol. Little Crystal is aight. If she shows cold shoulder, I wouldn't even try bothering her after that. I would get silently sour if she acts open with others, though wouldn't confront her bout it.

In conclusion I would not be friends with anyone outside of J High. As mentioned I am not social, I will always stay in, not going to clubs, not gambling, cuz imma good kid, so I wouldn't even met the other characters 🤧 the irl world is scary enough.

[yin-yun]

about the last part, I don't like those stuff too, the gambling, clubs, though I do drink if my dad offered me a shot.

the first person that came into mind when I think about being friends with the lookism cast was Zack, since the guy that used to tease and bully me became my friend.. and literally calls me mom now as a joke 💀

now that I think about it, Zack would probably do that too cuz if I'm his friend I'd definitely fuss over him like a mom would, I would fix his hair, clothes, even that arrogant personality by hitting him in the head.

and I got a feeling that they would pick me as a class representative/president since I'm basically the only responsible one in a class filled with mostly dumbasses 💀 that's how me a Zack became the responsible x dumbass, if he doesn't stop bullying someone I will be scolding him while slapping his head, I'm someone who is very hotheaded so if I'm in a room with another hotheaded bastard... it gets pretty loud.

and if he does stupid shit again I would make his ears bleed from how much I would scold and cuss him out in english and my native language.

and about the other departments, architecture department would be too loud for me so I probably won't go there so no Vasco for me, though I would smile and wave if we cross each other.

same with vocal and dance it's too loud I'd ignore Vin but I would talk to Mary and Duke tho.

and about the beauty department I would go there often since I really like make up, I would mostly talk to the girls but I wouldn't ignore Eli but I wouldn't be open to him either... on the other hand, if I met Eli with yenna outside, hehe, I'd be a different person because I really adore children and I might be bold enough to offer myself as a babysitter if his busy.

my ramblings would probably be my reaction if I was still in high school, I was a bit immature back then, and bold, I was very bold... but alas, I'm now a stress and broke college student 🥲 I'm more calmer these days but I'm still bold, not as bold as back then but still bold.

[thepeaklegendoffirstgen]

He is so hot and ethereal 😍 Majestic as always.

[yin-yun]

OMG FRFR! KINIKILIG YUNG KIFFY KO GAGI 🤭

[yin-yun]

anyone miss this version of Yeowool?

BECAUSE I DO!! I FUCKING DO! I WANT THE MUSCLES BACK DAMN IT!! I WANT A MUSCULAR WOMAN (we love you Sophia, don't change🥰) IN LOOKISM!!

[nepentheseeker]

NOOOOOOO XIAOLUNG POOR HIM 😭😭😭😭

POOR VIVI SHE WAS SO HAPPY TOO

~🎤

I don't really like vivi much so idk but xiaolung had probably one of the worst fates in Lookism . Ik you find love works in mysterious ways but He sacrificed his entire life just to serve Vivi . Vivi loves him too , sure , but does she even realise what horrors he had to go through all this time? Her love for felt like a middle school crush (add that "I'm serious about Bianca" meme here) tbh I don't really think PTJ explored their chemistry well .

But dw anon , They'll be happy again ^⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠^

[yin-yun]

couldn't agree more, i think with all that drugs she took really fucked her up.. and her world view of people being nothing more then wild animals is wild.

and don't forget her personality of a child and the "cute" act for readers to sympathize with her after all that she did.

[thepeaklegendoffirstgen]

PTJ CAN GIVE ME 1000 YEOWOOL AND OTHER SUCH GOONER BAITS AND FODDERS BUT ZOE WILL ALWAYS BE THE QUEEN💅

I miss Zoe and atp I'm kinda sick of so much unnecessary fanservice 💀 hope I get to see my queen Mary and Zoe someday.

Only reading this arc for Goo and Jaegyeon😭

[yin-yun]

ZOE WILL AND ALWAYS BE NO. 1!!!

[thepeaklegendoffirstgen]

MANAGER & MONSTER

Thanks a lot @veilody for the push, this fic wouldn't be complete without you❤️🫶

Disclaimer: This fic is as big as DG'S dick so grab a snack and sit straight 🫵 inspired by Iseop's Romance :)

The goal was simple. The pay was good. And the person well, it was DG of all people. Not gonna lie, he was really handsome, and by looks alone, he was exactly your type.

But the problem was, even if you always knew idols weren’t how they appeared to the world, you didn’t know it could be this bad. Nothing could have prepared you for the whirlwind that was Diego Kang.

Before you could even start the job, you had to get approval from Mr. Choi. No questions were asked about the man you were going to be working under. You were excited on your first day, eager to meet DG, but he made sure to kill that excitement instantly.

“You’re late,” he said, standing at the front gate, arms crossed.

“Sir, it’s just two minutes,” you replied, a little breathless.

“And two minutes makes all the difference,” he said, brushing past you with barely a glance.

No greetings. No warmth. Just ice. You followed behind because that’s how it was supposed to be. Idols shine, and managers do the work in the background.

James thought maybe he was being too harsh but seriously, who could blame him? You had been appointed by none other than Charles Choi. That alone was enough to put him on high alert. He hadn’t had a moment to relax since, and as he glanced at you through the rearview mirror—sharp, composed, but clearly rattled—he allowed a slight smirk to creep onto his face.

“Sir, you seem to be in good spirits,” you offered, smiling gently.

He didn’t react at all.

You cursed him silently. Seriously, can’t he even pretend to smile? Screw his fake smiles.

“Focus on the road instead of cursing me,” he said flatly.

What the hell? Did he read your mind? What was he?

There was a lot to unpack.

🌺

“Sir, you have a meeting with another label at 2 PM,” you said, entering his office.

He wasn’t just an idol anymore, he was now the CEO of PTJ Entertainment. Which meant more work, more pressure, more chaos.

You didn’t mind, though. You got a raise. Your base salary was decent, and the raise was just the cherry on top. Sure, you had to deal with his cold demeanour, his dismissiveness, and those signature side-eyes. But DG wasn’t a complete asshole, he was just...distant. Very distant. Like he was always plotting something in that complex mind of his.

“Yeah. Thanks for the reminder. We’ll head out at 1:15,” he said, still typing on his laptop.

“But shouldn’t we leave earlier? There could be traffic, and this is a big opportunity.”

He paused, looking at you like your suggestion was...

“Okay.”

“Okay?”

“Yes. We’ll leave a bit earlier, as you said.”

“I see. I’ll go get the car ready.”

As you turned and walked out, he watched you. Truth be told, he still didn’t trust you not one bit. Not even after you helped him with that stalker case. Not even when you stood like a shield during that media ambush. You reminded him of how Baekho Kown was to Gapryong Kim. And that was the problem, he didn’t need anyone. He could handle everything himself.

And more than that... you were hired by Charles Choi.

Wasn’t his childhood and teenage years already enough for that man? Why was he still interfering?

James chewed on the back of his pen. Maybe he needed to find a way to eliminate you. You were too good to be true.

🌺

“I’m sorry. This wasn’t how things were planned. I really apologize.” you bowed deeply.

That arrogant bastard didn’t show up. He had scheduled a last-minute internal meeting, claiming he wanted to assess the work culture and improve it. And now, you were stuck with the damage control.

“This is really unprofessional,” the director snapped. “Canceling at the last minute? We get that he’s DG, and he has new responsibilities, but this is unacceptable.”

“I understand, and I’m truly sorry. The transition has been more chaotic than expected, but I’ll make sure this doesn’t happen again,” you said firmly.

“Isn’t it a manager’s job to ensure an idol’s schedule is coordinated properly? This sounds more like your failure than his. DG is probably overworked. Make sure you are doing your job instead of dragging him around.”

Just like that, the deal was gone.. and the blame? All on you.

Because what’s a manager who can’t manage? And second because it’s easier to blame a woman, isn’t it?

After all, Diego Kang could never be wrong. Oh, how convenient.

🌺

You stormed into his practice room. It was late. It was raining. Maybe even the sky understood your mood because pain wasn’t yours alone tonight.

“You did that on purpose, didn’t you?” you exploded, rain-soaked, mascara smudged like war paint. Because it was war.

He was drinking from a water bottle, drenched in sweat from hours of practice.

“What are you talking about? You’ll catch a cold.” He offered you a towel.

You slapped it away.

“Listen, Diego Kang. You want to fire me? Do it. Keep your dirty tricks to yourself. You think I’m your puppet? That you can mess with me however you like?”

You were livid, but your voice didn’t shake, it was fire.

“I don’t like working with you either, okay, nation’s beloved man. But some of us don’t have a choice. I’m here for the money. There. I said it. And if you can’t keep things professional—” your voice cracked, “—then don’t expect me to either, you… bubblegum bastard—”

His eyes widened slightly at that.

But he kept listening.

“Money is all I care about. Not everyone gets it handed to them like air. I have no shame in admitting it. Meanwhile, you...no shame in screwing people over with their time and dignity.”

And just like that, the dam burst.

Tears streamed down your face as you turned and ran before you could hear whatever comeback he had.

You didn’t want to know.

🌺

DG stood there, bottle in hand, the towel abandoned on the floor.

Bubblegum, huh?

He chuckled. Yeah, his haters said that too.

But… did he cross a line?

“Money is all you care about,” you said. That’s why you put up with him for so long?

Maybe. But did he mind?

He rubbed the back of his neck. To be honest, you were efficient. Everything ran smoother with you around. Unlike some ex-managers who thought his coldness was “hard to get” and kept crossing the line, you always stayed professional.

Except tonight.

And strangely… he didn’t hate that.

You weren’t trying to charm him. You weren’t trying to force your way in. You just… finally snapped.

Bubblegum, he thought again.

Maybe you weren’t so bad.

Still, he needed to be cautious. If Charles Choi was involved, there was always more under the surface.

Maybe you were just here for the money.

But he needed to know—

Why was it so important to you? Were you related to Goo?

🌺

You slumped onto your bed the moment you got home, not even bothering to change. All you could think about was his stupid, bored expression, like you were the crazy one and he was too cool for this shit. Fine, you'd quit. But wasn’t that exactly what he wanted? Wasn’t that what this whole fiasco was about—to humiliate you? Still, what comes next? Where will you go? Your aunt won't take you back. You clawed your way through everything just to escape that hellhole. And sometimes it feels never-ending, like the world is just full of shit and..

Your phone buzzed.

A message.

From who?

Oh, hell no.

“We should talk tomorrow.”

That’s it? No apology. No explanation. Was his ass scared you’d expose him? Reveal how much of his image is just carefully crafted PR?

You smirked. Maybe you had the upper hand now. No way you’d talk to him. With that satisfying thought, you fell asleep peacefully, knowing he was the one who lost this round.

🌺

“You should eat dinner. It's getting late,” DG said, eyes still fixed on the recording booth as he adjusted his mic.

You simply nodded. “I’ll go when you’re done. Let me know what I should bring back for you.”

He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “This recording will take a while. I told you to eat already. I’ll be fine.”

He crossed his arms. “Make sure you eat, or I’ll cut your pay.”

Then he left.

“Oh, okay,” you muttered.

Well, at least he’d changed. He’d stopped with his unnecessary, belittling comments. And strangely, the record label director, who was an absolute asshole to you before, now treated you with surprising grace. Maybe it was the way you glared at him. Maybe you intimidated him. Who knows?

In hindsight, meeting DG again after that humiliating incident wasn’t as shameless as you thought. It was... better. He apologised in person. Said he was just being cautious. That he’d worked too hard to let people,managers included, try and get too close just to gain something. Not just managers. Everyone.

You understood. You apologized too.

He just nodded and, in a strangely soft gesture, handed you a Chupa Chups.

Lemon-flavored. Eww.

You took it without complaint. It was generous, coming from him.

“Did you eat?” he asked again once recording wrapped.

“Yes, sir. You’re done for now—do you want to head home or eat out?”

“Take me home,” he said flatly.

“Yes, and, just a reminder,we’re flying out of the country tomorrow, so please try to get proper rest.”

“Thank you,” he said, walking beside you.

He glanced over at you, disheveled hair, tired eyes, dark circles.

“Wait,” he called your name. You stopped in your tracks.

“I have... some other business tomorrow too.”

The kind of business that involved tracking down the punks using his real name. He hoped Eugene's intel was accurate.

“But your schedule says—” you began.

“It’s private business,” he cut in.

Private? Was he... seeing someone?

That would be a scandal, especially with his dating clause. But he was young and handsome. Or maybe he was visiting family?

Wait. Did he even have family? You’d read everything there was about him, his past was spotless. No mention of any relatives.

“I see. Please be on time.”

“Don’t worry too much. I won’t... do that again,” he muttered, scratching the back of his head, avoiding eye contact.

You burst into laughter. Full, unfiltered laughter. You clutched your stomach and leaned against the wall.

He looked so innocent saying that.

So, he did have that in him, huh?

“Sorry, sir, it’s just—”

“It’s fine.”

“No, really, I’m sorry. Just… don’t strain yourself. I hope this doesn’t add more pressure.”

A genuine smile followed your words. And what were you saying? Are you stupid? He’s an idol. His entire job is pressure. Why did it even bother you?

Why did he suddenly look like he was dissecting your smile, as if wondering whether you truly meant it?

“Sir!”

“Yes?”

“Get in the car, will you?”

Damn it. His mind was a mess.

🌺

“DG! DG! DG!”

“Babe, I love you!”

“Please be the father of my children!”

“Why is he wearing so many clothes?”

“We love you, DG!”

The concert was a smash hit like always. He gave it his all. Finding a DG concert ticket was like chasing a mirage. They sold out in seconds, every single time. The crowd screamed, danced, begged for more.

In front of them, he was the King of K-pop. Albums. Awards. Power. Everything within reach.

But what happens when the curtain falls, and he’s left alone with his thoughts?

“Sir, that was a great show as usual,” you said as you entered the dressing room.

He was slumped on the luxurious couch, a damp towel over his face.

“Thank you,” he mumbled.

You hesitated. You wanted to remind him the next show was in sixteen hours but looking at him now, so drained, you couldn’t bring yourself to say it. A few months ago, you might’ve enjoyed seeing him like this. But now?

Now all you saw was a young man who barely had time to breathe.

You wanted to run your fingers through his hair. Maybe lull him to sleep.

No. No, absolutely not. How scandalous. This was your job. You had to leave.

“Sir… I feel like I’m disturbing your rest. I’ll contact you later,” you said, turning to leave.

But then—he held your wrist.

“Stay. You don’t always have to fill the silence,” he murmured, towel still covering his face.

The towel hid more than just sweat. It hid the look in his eyes, the fear that you might recoil, report him, accuse him of crossing a line. He let go of your hand quickly, apologizing as he pulled the towel down, face flushed red.

“That was—”

You gently pushed him back down.

“Rest. I’m staying. You asked me to, and it’s my job to make sure the client is comfortable.”

Ah, client. So that’s all he was to you.

The bitterness in him surged, but before he could speak, you said: “Sir, are you really comfortable? Do you mind if I…?”

You hesitated, then slowly reached toward his hair.

He didn't mind. In fact, he guided your hand to his scalp.

This wasn’t normal, was it?

You massaged his scalp like it was something you did every day. He sighed.

And then—

“It’s James. Not sir.”

You blinked. Was that a slip? Did he mean to say it?

Because if his enemies already knew Diego Kang was James Lee, then why hide it from you?

“James,” you echoed, and he was livid the way his real name sounded from your lips.

“How’s your family?” you asked, then froze. Was that too personal? Too familiar?

“I didn’t mean it like that. I just thought—maybe it’d be good for you to visit them sometimes, instead of burying yourself in work all the time.”

“Family?” he laughed softly. “I don’t even have friends. Unless a Mexican cartel leader counts.”

Wait—what?

Was that… a joke?

Right?

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to intrude—”

He brought his finger to your lips, silencing you gently.

“Don’t be. This is the first time someone’s ever asked.”

He offered a bittersweet smile as he leaned back on the couch and pretended to sleep.

But you knew he wasn’t asleep.

“James…” you whispered.

His real name.

“If no one else is, I’m here, okay?”

You didn’t know why you said it. Maybe it was your stupid heart.

Your stupid, foolish little heart.

But he squeezed your hand in response.

And maybe… maybe that was the reassurance you needed.

Even if neither of you would admit the truth—

That this isn’t how things are supposed to happen.

🌺

You barely had any time these days. Most of it went into making sure DG, no, James now, apparently, was on schedule, not overworking himself, and showing up where he needed to be. The little time you did get for yourself, you spent near the Han River. Sometimes you liked running there, sometimes just sitting still, doing absolutely nothing, just breathing, being away from him for a while.

It wasn’t bad being around him anymore. He wasn’t as cold or distant as he used to be. But sometimes, you still felt that space between you two, a strange ache to be closer, yet an invisible line you didn’t dare cross. Why do I even feel like this? It was all professional.

Yeah. Professional.

Even when you were working late and lied about having dinner, only for him to order your favorite dish? Why did he know your favorite, anyway?

It was professional when he insisted you eat with him.

It was professional when he shielded you from the media, even though that was supposed to be your job.

Ugh. You slapped your cheek gently. Why were you thinking about this so much? Maybe because he was in a bad mood today, cold again after last night’s meeting at the HNH headquarters. Did you do something wrong? Was the AC too cold? Did someone scold him?

The idea of someone scolding DG made you chuckle. That would be a sight. You were halfway through your sandwich, hiding your mouth with one hand, when you heard the dreaded voice.

“Having fun?”

James, in an all-black outfit, a mask, and a cap, though he hadn't even tucked in all of his hair. You stood up immediately and adjusted it for him, stepping closer only to remember how tall he was. Even in heels, you had to reach.

“Cover your hair properly, okay?” you said as you fixed the cap. The soft brush of your fingers against his hair made him exhale, long and deep.

"What?" you asked.

"Nothing," he replied.

Once you were done, he handed you something. An ice cream sandwich.

You looked at him, puzzled.

“It’s dessert,” he said, simply.

You quickly finished your sandwich, dessert had always been your weakness. As you took the first bite, you could feel his gaze on you.

“You didn’t bring anything for yourself?” you asked.

“I’m on a strict diet,” he said, his eyes still on you.

You tried your best to avoid his stare, but it was too much.

“Are you… like, one of those weirdos who get turned on watching people eat ice cream?”

James gave you a flat look. You held your ice cream toward him. “Do you want a bite or something?”

He raised both hands in surrender. “Not at all.”

“Then why are you staring?” you asked bluntly.

Was he really staring? Maybe. He wasn’t sure. He was just observing… right?

He shifted slightly, creating more space between you two on the bench. “I was just wondering… if it’d be okay to ask you something.”

“Shoot.”

“How’s your family?” he asked. “I mean, you asked me once, so… I just thought…”

He trailed off, internally cursing himself. You messed it up again, dumbass. This wasn’t his area. He avoided emotional entanglements for a reason. But this? You? You were a puzzle he couldn’t figure out. And one mistake could unravel everything he’d built.

“I used to live with my aunt and cousin,” you replied, quickly. “But they didn’t really want me there. And honestly? To hell with them. I’m better off alone.”

You said it like ripping off a bandage: fast, clean. Because admitting that to him—someone so needed by the world—made you feel like you were disposable.

“You did the right thing. It’s brave... to leave something behind and live life on your own terms,” he said.

Even through the mask, you could tell his expression was sincere.

Then he noticed some ice cream on your face and chuckled. Genuinely. Despite how efficient and serious you usually were, moments like this reminded him how adorable you could be. He leaned in, reaching to wipe it off—

And paused.

Your lips. Why did they look so…

“James…” you murmured.

“James, you have your mask on,” you added.

Was that permission if he didn’t have it on?

And then your lips collided.

But the moment shattered as clarity hit you like a slap. You pulled away, brushing at your mouth like dusting off dirt, and fussed with your skirt even though it didn’t need fixing.

What were you doing?

“This was out of line,” James said.

“No, I should apologize. I could’ve ruined your career,” you said quickly. “If you feel the need to—”

“Stop,” he cut in. “It’s fine. You don’t need to leave. I… It’s nothing.”

And he got up and left.

Yes. Nothing. As always, it’s nothing. You were here for the job. For the paycheck. Not to get dragged into emotional turmoil by a man who would retreat the moment things got real.

But then why… why did it sting?

🌺

Later that night, you heard a knock at your door.

“What are you doing here?” you asked as you opened it , to find James standing there, holding a brown bag.

“You were sick. You should’ve told me.”

He stepped inside without waiting.

“Sir, you don’t have to do this,” you said, your voice a little too high.

“Sir? Back to formalities now?” he teased gently. “Just because you’re high on meds?”

You didn’t laugh. Not even a twitch.

“If some things mean nothing to you,” you said, quietly, “they could mean a lot to someone else. Let me have at least that much.”

Maybe it was the fever. Or maybe it was hope. Stupid, aching hope. You hoped, when he leaned in earlier, that he would kiss you. Why?

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“Oh, you know exactly what I mean. Please leave. I’m not well.” You hiccupped between the words as the tears finally poured.

You buried yourself in the blanket, wanting to disappear.

But then you felt weight, a head resting on your knees.

“Just hear me out once,” he said softly. “If you still want me to leave after that, I will.”

You said nothing, but he went on.

“I’m really grateful for everything you’ve done—for me. A simple ‘thank you’ would never be enough. But…” He exhaled. “I’m selfish. And I don’t care. So, if you want to make that ‘nothing’ into everything… please tell me it’s fine.”

You threw the blanket off, face puffy and nose running, and grabbed a tissue to wipe your snot. His words had been sincere. But also—

“What was that line?” you sniffed. “I knew you were a loser. Smooth on the streets, fool under the sheets.”

You burst out laughing, uncontrollably.

He chuckled too, shaking his head. But then he grabbed your face. This time, there was no awkwardness, no hesitation, only that dangerous glint in his eye. The look that said he was going to get what he wanted.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” he murmured. “Good thing, I had even better lines ready.”

“Yup,” you whispered.

And that one word was all it took.

He crashed his lips against yours. You tugged on his hair, making him groan, and when he bit your lower lip, you responded with more, more heat, more want, more everything.

🌺

“Yes.”

A simple word, but one that held immense weight. The creator and the destroyer of many things.

And with that yes came change.

It had been two months now. The transition had been surprisingly smooth. You live with him now. And being with him, really with him, you saw how much happier he was. How he hummed under his breath when satisfied, how he secretly hoarded Chupa Chups, how time was slowly peeling back the layers of everything he had kept hidden from you.

Of how James Lee became Diego Kang.

“It’s nice here, right?” he murmured, pulling you in by the shoulder and placing a soft kiss on your forehead.

You had just arrived at a resort, booked just for the two of you.

Evening had settled in, and the winter breeze brushed against your skin. It felt good, peaceful. A rare moment to breathe, away from the constant noise, the relentless hustle. Here, you could finally just exist. As a couple. Not coworkers stealing fragments of time. Not stolen kisses in between tasks or you waiting for the right moment to hug him tight.

Now, he was behind you, arms wrapped around your waist, chin resting on your shoulder. You sighed and leaned back into him.

“James.”

“Hmm?”

“Why did you change your name? What was wrong with James Lee?”

He stilled for a second. Was she really asking this now? he thought. Of all times?

But then again—when else would you ask?

He knew you were smart enough to catch that he would’ve dodged this on any other day. But here, now, wrapped around you like this? He couldn’t run.

“Because DG sounds cooler for an idol,” he deadpanned, nuzzling into your neck.

“Really?”

“No… there’s more to it.”

You turned around to face him now, eyes locking. “Then tell me.”

“When the right time—”

This time, you silenced him with a finger pressed to his lips.

"The right time is always now. Does it have anything to do with why you cut ties with Chairman Choi?"

He sighed and pulled you into his lap despite your playful protest. You squirmed, but he ignored it, burying his face into the crook of your neck and pressing a mock bite to your skin.

“Trust me,” he murmured. “I’ll tell you when it’s time. Just… hang on a little longer.”

Your fingers threaded through his hair, and he let out a breath of relief. You kissed the top of his head softly.

“I’ll wait. But I hope you trust me.”

And trust, he did. Of course he did. But still, his heart weighed every possibility. What if you never knew the full truth? Would that be better? Would you be safer in the dark?

Could you still love him once you knew what his hands had done?

Would you stay?

🌺

“Diego Kang is hailed as a national hero after taking down Charles Choi. The country’s beloved idol…”

You turned off the television. Honestly, he had been glued to that channel ever since he returned. Even now, as you were gently drying his hair with a towel, his eyes were still fixed on the screen. You tried tugging a few strands just to annoy him. Nothing.

“Why’d you switch it off?” he asked flatly.

“I just dried your hair so nicely, and all you’re doing is staring at the news like it’s your fan edit,” you grumbled, pinching his cheeks.

He gave you that same bored expression, but you could tell the gears in his head were turning fast.

Of course, this was exactly how he imagined the narrative unfolding. Just as planned.

“People get swayed so easily, don’t they?” he said, his voice unreadable.

“I don’t think it was easy,” you replied matter-of-factly. “You earned this. People love you because of the years of work you put in...even before all this.”

Your phone buzzed again. It had been going off all day. The media was insatiable, everyone wanted an exclusive interview.You finally set it to DND.

James had been strange lately. Not exactly cold, just distant as if something inside him had settled. Like he had won. Like some final piece of a long game had clicked into place.

You knew now. The truth.

Why he stopped being James Lee.

What Charles Choi really was.

What the Kings had done and what he had done in response.

A part of you had flinched. You couldn’t deny that. The blood, the manipulation, the power plays—part of it repulsed you.

But another part… you didn’t want to say it aloud.

You’d tried to rationalize it. Gangsters fighting gangsters. Justice in shades of grey.

James’ schedule for the month was lighter now. No long-term commitments. Nothing tying him down.

And even if you knew where all this was heading, even if your instincts whispered warnings, you didn’t let yourself dwell on it.

Or maybe, you never had the option to begin with.

🌺

“No.”

“Listen—”

“No. Who are you? Where is my man?” you ask, lips parted in disbelief, eyes wide with a mix of sadness and mockery. He dyed his hair. Black. Black!

“Who are you?” you repeat, even though deep down, you know it’s him.

“It’s me, babe. Just a change of hair color, nothing else,” he tries to reason, almost laughing.

“I think I should call security,” you mumble. You just can’t come to terms with it. He disappeared for a few weeks and came back looking like… this. Sure, he’s still absurdly handsome, but wasn’t this look too generic?

Didn’t he lose his aura?

But then,if that wasn’t enough, he drops another bomb. He wants you to announce his retirement from K-pop. Forever.

It tilts the very axis of your world. Why? What did he mean by “going all out”? And why was there a need to do this in the first place?

“Trust me,” he says, cupping your face with those strong, calloused hands, eyes burning with that same fervor and intensity that always made your breath catch. And you do. You trust him.

You trust him as his hands begin to roam with unspoken tenderness and longing. You kiss him—fiercely, desperately—and stumble your way to your shared room, scattering clothes along the floor. You trust him as he holds you like you’re both fragile and sacred, and even when you see just how big he is, wondering if he’ll even fit, you trust him still.

And he makes sure you never have to question that trust. As passion and love consume you completely, he shows you in every possible way what you mean to him.

That night, when the world quiets and your limbs are tangled together, he finally tells you everything. Holding you close, his voice low and cautious, he confesses who James Lee is. What did it mean. What does it still mean. How the ghost of Gapryong Kim still haunts him.

You’ve never heard him speak so much. Not like this. That night, he unravels completely, his truths, his fears, all of it laid bare, as he waits for your reaction. And in the silence after, he braces himself for the worst. For the possibility that you’ll leave. After all, your worlds had always been different. He may have been beautiful on the outside, but inside? He always believed there was something ugly.

Still, he trusted you.

And when you kiss his collarbone, gently tugging him closer, it’s the only answer he needs. His hold tightens again, as if anchoring himself to you, and you kiss once more, lazy, sleepy kisses. The kind that whisper we’re in this forever. The kind that promise I’m not going anywhere.

You drift into sleep, limbs intertwined, still holding on.

🌺

“Diego Kang-nim, you may come out now.”

Today’s the day.

Politics was something you never thought he’d consider, yet it doesn’t surprise you either. It had all been part of a careful plan. Now, as you fix his tie, he watches you with quiet intensity. Even now, even as his manager, even when things are about to change forever, he’s grateful. Genuinely, deeply grateful that you're still here. Steady. Unflinching.

“Stop staring,” you mutter once you’re done with the tie, brushing invisible lint off his shoulder.

“Why not?” he murmurs, catching your wrists in his hands.

“You have to go,” you say softly, inspecting his suit one last time for wrinkles.

“I know,” he replies, and then lifts your left hand, kissing it gently, right over the diamond he picked with such care.

“Then go.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he grins with that same arrogant, familiar smile and kisses you one last time before turning to leave.

You wish him luck.

A world without evil, huh? You’re not sure how much truth there is in that dream, not when you’ve met his so-called “friend” a cartel leader? You don’t ask questions. You don’t pry.

Because despite the good or the bad, despite the blurred lines between righteousness and ruthlessness, you two are in this together.

For the world, he is Diego Kang.

But for you?

He will always be James.

[thepeaklegendoffirstgen]

Was this even necessary? Seriously, what was the point?

She's a fighter, right? One of the six people who managed to survive, how about we focus on that for once? Sure, she can have a big ass and chest, but god forbid a female fighter has visible muscles that's apparently "too much" now? This was genuinely in poor taste. I can't 💀💀

Just don’t give her chicken legs now😭😭 Speed is her biggest asset, at least get one thing right.

[thepeaklegendoffirstgen]

i always wanted to know your thoughts on the 'eli and heather' situation. people are saying that heather SA eli or that she groomed him cuz she was more educated or that she simply was just a stupid teenager who made a mistake. i'm kinda not sure which reasoning i'm at😭?? i do agree that she shouldn't have done what she did bc she was aware(at least i think) of how emotionally stunted eli was and why would you want to have sex with someone who's mentally still a child?? but i also understand that she wanted a piece of freedom and eli gave it to her. i think it was mentioned somewhere that ptj wanted to expand on their relationship but couldn't for some reason. i still wouldn't like their relationship regardless cuz like every romantic pairing of ptj, it SUCKS. BUT ANYWAYS pls tell me your thoughts

LONG READDD!

Pfft my opinion? I detest Heather. Plain and simple. And yeah, I’ll admit it: Eli is one of my favourites so I’m going to be biased.

First off , no, she didn’t groom him. Just because someone in the same age group is more experienced or sexually knowledgeable doesn’t make it grooming. That term is heavy, and people throw it around way too carelessly.

Eli and Heather’s relationship is extremely messed up, yet weirdly realistic. Heather, like any girl, was drawn to Eli. He was everything she wasn’t, and she was everything he wasn’t. It had potential to be cute, but—let’s not forget—that was also her friend’s crush. A friend who literally gave Eli food and shelter. Unlike Heather. That rubbed me the wrong way from the start.

Now, why is there so much debate over whether what Heather did was wrong? Is it because she’s a girl? Let’s flip the situation: imagine it’s Henry, not Heather, and Elina, not Eli. Gender reversed. Would we still be questioning if it was wrong? No, we’d call it what it is.

In my eyes, what Heather did to Eli is SA. And the audacity to approach it, even when Eli literally said, “I shouldn't be in the same room with a girl. I’ll get in trouble.” And Heather just smiled and said, “I know.” Likewhat 🤢🤢?? That was disgusting, manipulative, and so wrong. Eli wasn't in the emotional state to give proper consent. He just went along with it. And don't try to tell me Heather didn’t know what she was doing, if she was mature enough to initiate sex, she was mature enough to consider protection. She just didn’t care.

I understand she did it to “reclaim her freedom.” Like, oh I’m breaking out of the rules by doing something I’d only do with my bad boy boyfriend. But that’s exactly it, Eli wasn’t a person to her. He was a fantasy. A means to fulfil her wishy washy rebellion. And people who still scream “Eli and Heather are true love” are honestly brain dead. Sorry.

Because let’s be honest: Heather and Olly are the main reason the hostel turned into a tragedy. If they hadn’t meddled so much in the Hostel kids’ lives, things could’ve gone very differently.

And I’ll call Eli out too, he was a hypocrite when it came to Olly. Considering his own broken family situation, you'd think he’d understand better. But nope.

What baffles me is how people still debate whether Heather did something wrong. Like, hello? It was very wrong. If you’re ever in doubt, just imagine your favourite male Lookism character doing the exact same thing to their vulnerable girlfriend. Doesn't feel great right? That should clear it up real quick !

And this whole argument that “Heather was his true love” and that Eli shouldn't move on? Get outta here. Where was that ever stated? She was his first lover, sure. That doesn’t mean she’s the last. People are allowed to move on. Eli is 18. He has his whole life ahead of him. Let the man live, grow, and love on his own terms.

Teenagers do reckless things, sure, but what Heather did considering her position and privilege and knowledge was straight-up wrong and detestable🙏

[yin-yun]

THIS THIS THIS

you are so right, I don't really get why people can't see this issue and sometimes this fandom (and author) are fuck up

[lieyarzy]

LMAO imagine Gwi-Ma being a supportive “father” to his demons like his cheering them on every time one of them does a “move” towards their manager and being dissapointed when one of them say’s something dumb, like it will look lke this:

One of the Saja Boys accidentally brush off their hands with the Manager while they were walking and Gwi-Ma is like “hold their hand…hold it…” then when they finally hold it his like laughing until the “demon” that was holding the manager’s hand let go because they felt shy then his like “WTF! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!” Then Gwi-Ma won’t stop pestering them, whispering in their ears(mind idk) “you’re a coward…a little beach….I made you a demon and this is how you act? Embarrassing!”

LOLOL

[yin-yun]

yooooo, we need more of this 😍😍😍

[imaginarydreams]

Hold me when I say this

FailedTrainee!Reader

During the saja boys popularity high. Gwi-ma decided to expand and he decided to choose a measly human(aka you) but, things didn't go exactly as planned, as this human was a little too positive and just decided to nag the voice(Gwi-ma) in their head like some crazy person while simultaneously getting rejected by multiple companies, after they got fired from their last one due to an incident...

I kinda wanna do a platonic Gwi-ma with Reader! Maybe the Reader becomes an independent artist and we just have grandpa Gwi-ma supporting?

I'm not that good at writing but I'm thankful for you hearing out one of my ideas. ^^

[yin-yun]

OMG OMG OMG why didn't I thought of that!?

this is so fucking genius!!

[yin-yun]

guys please hear me out bc I'm going crazy 🤧

DG as Jinu

Rumi as reader

PLS PLS PLS do you all see the vision??

bc it's been on my mind since the movie is released, I just want to see a fanfic so bad. I think I see DG singing like Jinu, specially the song Free and Idol, this so killing me rn 😭😭😭

anyone please make it happen 🙏🙏🙏

[dood-itsradical]

You guys ever feel like you're having a fling with some franchise? Or exes trope for that matter. Like you used to be fully engaged in the fandom before they no longer your hyperfixation but when you coincidentally came across the posts about it and hit nostalgia lane, you then stop by for a second to relish the remnants and memories. You started to engaged with it back before bouncing again.

[yin-yun]

yeah, that's so relatable. I have a fanfic in wattpad story about lookism that's like two years ago, I stopped lookism about two years ago and now I'm back in the fandom again, and I'm writing the story again

[pyxiehollowinside]

“Carrot cake is the devils creation because why would you defile a delicious desert with such a hideous vegetable” -Zayne probably

[yin-yun]

me who loves carrot cake: 👁👄👁 bitch, if you don't stop the carrot hating I will force feed you a fucking carrot cake, I will end you Zayne 🥰