I only made this account to
write essays abt LOH because
i didnt know where I supposed
to throw all my thoughts &
word vomit on this story huh??
Anyway, support the author: https://www.lezhin.com/en/comic/loveorhate_en ♡
It's amazing how some ppl claim Taku was with Haesoo out of the goodness of his heart, and wanted to "save" him from an unhealthy relationship i- like what now?? Reading comprehension where???
Taku got interested in Haesoo after seeing his story about his step brother: he wanted to mess with that relationship. Taku's exhibition themes were: Loss / Love —a choice he thought Haesoo would be so *perfect* for due to his relationship with Joowon. No, it was never about Haesoo's wellbeing lol. There’s literally a scene where he implicitly tells Haesoo to think of Joowon for the photoshoot, right after their breakup, and thinks: “I knew he was hurt, but I wanted to see something more”. He wasn't trying to make Haesoo feel better, but instead he was intrigued & captivated by Haesoo’s hurt and pain over Joowon. He even admits in the end, after he grew attached to Haesoo: "From the start Haesoo only had eyes for one person. Perhaps those unwavering eyes were what I loved most” -- proving how transfixed he was by Haesoo's feelings for Joowon.
Taku says in his character interview from the start that he's "opportunistic" when it comes to relationships. Example: him comforting Haesoo crying... it parallels Taku's ex-bf being comforted by him & getting upset cause Taku is just PRETENDING. It's the same w/ Haesoo. He didn't do that with genuine feelings, but just as a "habit" like Haesoo says. Taku also said, “it felt good to see you sad” and how he knows hes selfish but its cause he likes to feel needed. So him chasing after Haesoo wasnt sincere, but self-interest & intrigue (“I wanted to see the kind of story he writes when im gone” HELLO??).
There's multiple metaphors about it too (lmaoo not me writing about the metaphors when ppl can't even get the blatant text of Taku saying MULTIPLE TIMES how he's "not a good person" and that he likes Haesoo for selfish reasons... but anyway the metaphors are interesting to me <333). First his photography: Taku always focused on the frozen images and what's within the lenses, instead of life in the present. He captured what he wanted & ignored the rest. Second: the candy. He says all relationships are the same to him: just "sugar/additives despite the different colours". He doesn’t like the taste of bitterness, only the sweetness. It ALL shows how Taku only wanted the good and superficial things in life. He selfishly liked to be needed by someone else, but without any of the burden of real feelings. It’s only through letting himself get attached to Haesoo & realizing Haesoo’s pretend love isn’t enough for him, that he describes Haesoo’s kiss as "bitter".
Honestly I know how upsetting it is to see your ship sink. But if you step back and read carefully: you realize that Yeongha literally built Taku's character to GET HEARTBROKEN and experience the bitter things in life,, because he'd been so numb to that feeling otherwise. (It makes me curious abt Taku's backstory honestly. like what made him this way??)
I love everything about this story. You can see how the author built every aspect of this bit by bit. From their careers to their well rounded personalities, from toxicity to pure bliss--truly a compelling story. It's such a contrast to her other work “Fool" but both are written well. I loved every character and found myself not rooting for anyone in the story. Instead, I just want Haesoo to be happy. I didn't resent or hated Joowoon. In fact, I found his character the most interesting. His character development is great too. I also didn't pity Taku. Yes, he doesn't deserve to be hurt but we all knew that their relationship is bound to end. It was apparent that Haesoo only had Joowoon in his eyes. Their toxic relationship always brings them together instead of driving them apart.
If you think about it, there's nothing special in the story but the way it was executed and drawn is what made it magnificent. I've read a lot of "dramatic" BL's and I can say this one is included in what I think a "masterpiece" would be. Although, the ending could have been a bit longer but I think the ending that the author chose also worked well.
Definitely a lovely read
I just want to explain MY point of view.
I'm pointing it at the beggining so no one will accuse me that I believe I'm infallible (of course I can be mistaken because it's only my own interpretation).
Let's start with the fact that in stories there are some elements which aren't stated openly. All of us can remember (I hope) literature classes where we analysed, interpreted different texts, books, poems etc.
Some things aren't and often don't have to be said openly.
Feelings can't be proven like mathematical proof or idk blood test. It's not something material, physical. But how do we know that someone loves or hates someone else?
By their actions, by their reactions.
How do we know mother loves her child? She has to say: "I love you?". I don't think so. The actions are enough (for me at least). Her smiling gently, helping genuinely, asking about their day. Small gestures here and there.
As I said in previous comments I can be mistaken but I think Haesoo has romantic feelings for Joowon.
1. He has stayed with Joowon for years although it impacted his relationship with mother, one of the most important person in his life...
2. He cares and worries about Joowon deeply. He was completely shaken when Joowon wrote he hurt his hand. When the affair appeared he abruptly interrupted important discussion with his mother and went to clear Joowon's situation.
3. He was jealous not long time ago.
4. He desires him physically.
5. He thinks about Joowon, his wellbeing, their past while being with his new partner.
All these things added together CAN hint, symbolise he has romantic feelings for Joowon.
Spoilers
Add to all of this the newest raws (chapter 87) it's imo rather clear Haesoo still loves Joowon and didn't move on.
I guess he "broke up" with Joowon.... Because he just didn't see the future for them .... He was scared, afraid. He wanted to choose something realistic, accepted by society, his mum. In earlier chapters it also looks like Haesoo hoped Joowon would marry a woman, choose simpler path.
Their relationship has stayed the same for years. Their feelings unspoken. He wanted the break. He couldn't stand that situation anymore. But imo it doesn't mean that he doesn't love Joowon anymore.
