The interactions between ML and MC are amusing and entertaining, but Chapter 19 has piqued my concern regarding the direction the story might take. I'm unsure if I'll proceed because, quite frankly, I don't particularly enjoy consent issues in narratives. So, fair warning.
For those seeking context:
In Chapter 19, ML proposes a friends-with-benefits arrangement to MC, using somewhat manipulative reasoning to convince them. This particular chapter raises red flags, especially when ML presents a "contract" with terms that initially seem reasonable but quickly become problematic. The power dynamic between ML and MC becomes skewed from the second clause onward, with provisions like "occasional refusals during the process are fun, and refusal or negative response is not allowed," which sounds like non-consensual dynamics.
MC initially recognizes the oddity of the terms and hesitates, but ML subtly gaslights them by making statements like, "ending the relationship isn't an issue for me, I'm not gay" and questioning the value of love, implying that women are only after money. This kind of discourse feels toxic.
Given these concerns, I'm uncertain about continuing the read.
