To be honest, I almost didn't make it past chapter 6. The interactions between the MCs were pretty brutal, and other reviews describing this as a story about sadomasochism or co-dependent bullying appeared to be spot on. Not really my thing.

At some point, however, I thought I might be detecting a more subtle theme. The more I read, the FMCs actions seemed less about bullying to inflate a predator's ego and more about (harsh) *teasing* to bridge an awkward gap. She didn’t want to *hurt* the guy – She was just genuinely intrigued by him and, as a 14-15-year-old kid very sensitive to social hierarchy, this was what she could come up with.

Likewise, I came to see the MMC not so much as weakling who wanted to be dominated, but as a lonely guy who, experiencing the attention of a cute girl for probably the first time in his life, was willing to endure pretty much anything to keep getting it.

As the story has continued, earlier concerns about character progression should be ignored. Where they are at chapter 47 is miles past where they were at the beginning. The two main characters have both drawn new (better) behaviors and attitudes from each other. They might even be headed toward some version of a “Good Ending”. I doubt this will end with a confession and a kiss before a setting sun, but their own peculiar version of such an ending is possible.

At this point, it’s hard to imagine either MCs walking away from this. And so far, I’m inclined to stick with it, too.