I get why some people feel like this story drags or that the MC is annoying. But to me, I just adore her and all of the characters.
This is a very relationship driven plot. There is some action thrown in (the passing crossovers into different genres is hilarious), but everything is about advancing character development and relationships in an organic way. I think it’s beautiful. If that’s not your thing, then maybe pass this one up.
1: Unlike many other stories like this, the MC has to struggle with her position being impermanent in that world. It’s thrown in her face repeatedly, and as a reader, I cried with her
when she was pulled back to the real world periodically.
It adds a painful tension that is addressed beautifully when the time comes.
2: WHY certain characters fall for her actually makes sense. Others might disagree, but that’s how I feel.
One falls for her because she clearly doesn’t want anything from him; she sees him as just a male lead for her friend. His comfort around her turns over time into sincere affection and admiration for her character. Her unwillingness to recognize his affection ALSO makes sense—because he literally told her that he liked her because she expected nothing from him and is comfortable to be around. If that were me, I’d be terrified to develop feelings for him and potentially lose that relationship too.
The end game ML is not who I expected at the beginning.
Jiho makes perfect sense in the long run, however, especially when you realize how Jiho purposefully broke away from the novel’s path and his own habits to CHOOSE to befriend her instead of judging her for her weaknesses. Just as the MC broke from the path of the novel early, so did Jiho. And he sincerely truly cares for her and takes her comfort into consideration. It’s also really funny to see him constantly putting his foot in his mouth and being overly aggressive and then reaping the consequences lol. Also unlike others, he never befriended her just because she treated him “normally.” To me that makes their relationship much more rich.
3: I LOVE the “female lead” best friend. She is so incredibly charming and delightful. Their friendship is so sweet, and the challenges of being constantly compared to someone basically perfect are handled so well. The MC of course values the friendship as more important than being the target of rumors, but it’s also very sweet to see the MC healing through her interactions with other characters. Side note: the female lead’s end game love interest is SO INCREDIBLY CUTE WITH HER IT HURTS. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH.
4: The characters are just so likable. I just love every single one of them. I love how their depth reveals itself over time. Ugh.
5: As for the plot dragging…Idk. I was there for all the angst and cuteness and laughs. I love relationship driven plots, and I do love the recurring theme of learning to trust your friends and rely on them.
MC seems to be an INFP—private, feels deeply, slow to trust, sometimes indecisive—but also very loyal and witty at times. Some people find that annoying, but I found her very realistic and likable.
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