Parallels, Yes, But One Is A Disguised Betrayal :')

A writer and her reader <3

Ty to @/princess-of-purple-prose for writing the alt text!

wiege | alien stage

— 02/14/25

post game 💤

catching up on hxh really makes me realise i forgot how brilliant of a writer togashi is. the way he's able to bring together so many characters, each with their unique goals, personalities, and abilities, and make ten different plot points converge in a beautiful web is absolutely crazy. while i do think that his hiatus helps him to some degree, i do NOT tolerate people who cannot recognize the massive creativity that goes into this manga. hxh is goddamn complicated, and every character in it is done justice in the way they're portrayed. some of the most mind boggling abilities i could never even imagine have been introduced by togashi while complying WITH the rules of the complex nen system (contamination, cat's name, bungee gum, rising sun, bodhisattva, emperor time, love dial and so many more are increasingly unique abilities which showcase how massive and nuanced togashi's power system is). every arc is consistently gripping with a healthy focus on action AND politics, wherein togashi forces you to face some of the worst deeds of society (with kakin empire being the most recent and perhaps the most disgusting example), and that is no easy feat. plus the way he's constantly able to resist the classic good triumphs evil narration, instead choosing to showcase gray characters who simply happen to have goals aligned with the "good side" and who still leave a trail of destruction in their wake?? selfishness is an extremely common theme throughout the characters, whether it's Gon's actions in Chimera Arc, Killua's possessiveness, Leorio's motivations, Kurapika's rage and grief that threatens to overpower even himself, or hell even Phantom Troupe's actions, and it really sticks with me as a reader. seriously, what an inspiration.

when all of life’s accounts have been settled up….

I have. Something to talk about and its very very VERY important.

We know that last scene of TDJ where its just PEAK yearning but can we PLEASE appreciate the micro-expressions that passed over both Yohan & Gaon's faces when they faced each other DIRECTLY after a MONTH (if im not wrong) of that whole blowing up fiasco + Yohan's arrest before that??????? Because my GOD.

So we see Gaon call Yohan by his Full Government Name™ (which wasn't very wise for a declared dead enemy of the state who is ALSO wanted but we'll let it pass for romanticisms' sake) and look at his face. His face is one of a scared man. He's not hesitant but he is afraid of how Yohan views him after what transpired between them.

In turn, Yohan looks back and well.

He is also somewhat apprehensive. They're both testing each other & the waters they're in. Although Yohan doesn't have a revenge vendetta shackling him down anymore, Gaon, on the other hand, has tremendous stuff to unpack. They're carefully, if not gently, evaluating the distance between them.

And then, Yohan gives a clear sign that he holds nothing against Gaon. An open arm, an open invitation. To join him? Maybe. To decide what to do with them? Perhaps. It's vague but it's also clear that Yohan is done manipulating Gaon & that he has left the ball in Gaon's court.

Then come the positive changes. With Yohan's green signal, Gaon is somewhat relieved but also incredibly guilt-ridden. I think these frames speak for themselves.

The wet smile & the eye crinkles. He is so relieved to be in Yohan's good graces but also just looking at Yohan be his ever glowing self after serving his life's purpose.

Yohan. My dearest Yohan. Look at him. He's equally heart-broken to be seeing Gaon like this, to be leaving him behind but that little nod he does???? Like he's made a decision that he needs to stick with for the betterment of Gaon???? That's what truly gets me. It's so clear the distance between them is hurting him but he also knows that it's necessary to give Gaon space & time, to unravel & to explore things on his own. Perhaps another assumption on his part because who truly knows what Gaon wants except Gaon himself?

Then it's a brief look exchanged. As he turns, giving Gaon one last reassuring smile as he turns and leaves behind one of the most important people to him.

And gaon watches. Look at his micro-expressions here. Look at his breathing. His sagging shoulders. His eyes. His wet smile. His balled hands. His tiny nods.

He also thinks this is necessary but you can so clearly see its taking every bit of nerve & fiber in him to stay rooted to his place & not chase after Yohan. He's DELIBERATELY not taking a single step towards Yohan. He thinks he doesn't deserve to chase after him, that hes content to see Yohan: alive, well and so utterly free. That's all that matters.

I would genuinely like to appreciate both jinyoung and jisung for their acting bcs they NAILED the raw emotions needed for this absolutely stunning yet gut wrenching scene. It's so difficult to convey such complex emotions through such little means yet they did it to PERFECTION. They both gave their characters LIFE. And for that i will always be grateful bcs i dont think anyone else could've done Kang Yohan and Kim Gaon the way they did.

Loved Luka and Yanqing's interactions in the event :]

Ep. 8 - Weak Hero Class 1 (2022) | Ep. 8 - Weak Hero Class 2 (2025)

"who made you realise you were also attracted to women" literally the goddess i was supposed to worship. i thought my ass was soooo religious until i realised i just fucked with the imagery of a dark skinned naked woman portrayed as a symbol of female rage with a necklace of decapitated heads, a skirt made of human arms, a decapitated head in one of her (multiple) arms, and a long lolling tongue. i did NOT stand a chance????