What an angst filled episode!

Here we see the story continue to stretch the boundaries for both Seungho and Nakyum, increasing pressure on both of them to define whatever it is that’s happening between them. Is it just sex? Is it manipulation? Is it prostitution?We see sneaky ass Min pressing Seungho, and the awful weight of Inhun’s words on precious Nakyum’s heart. And we see Jiwha plotting and scheming something.

In their own ways, they are both being pushed towards each other, as much as they are resisting the tidal pull each has the other ensnared in. The balance and equality, while appearing to be the opposite, well… this is a story being well constructed.

As tenuous the tiny cracks in the fortresses around these two, you can see all the howling wind around trying to get into even the slightest crack.

As soon as the servants told him that Nakyum had sequestered himself and was painting furiously, he came to see. Finding him upset, he immediately wants to know what’s wrong and why Nakyum is crying.

Nakyum’s moodiness at this point must be an utter void of mysterious what the fuck for Seungho. And concern, care hasn’t worked. Nakyum lies about everything, so Seungho can never really know how Nakyum feels about anything or what is going on. That must be maddening.

And Nakyum is and has never been afraid to tell Seungho ‘no’, or to express his anger, or his refusal. Never. Even if it costs him, even if he’s afraid of Seungho, he tells him what he thinks, and his face hides so little, it’s his heart he hides away.But damnit, Seungho really needs to stop lashing out when Nakyum gets angry with him. I know Nakyum is a confusing puss Seungho, but you don’t frighten little kittens. But lest you think Nakyum is somehow actually soft, he turns to Seungho for comfort. The same way he did the night Inhun spurned him in the rain. He might be a cinnamon roll, but Nakyum can be as selfish and self involved as Seungho.

Who the fuck is using who? 

Finally, Seungho’s blacks and reds in this episode are a stark departure from his usual fare, and lawdamercy, he’s really quite beautiful.