Lover Boy Review

*This review contains spoilers and all rights belongs to Zec and Lezhin comics.  This is  only Prologue – Chapter 30.

Lover boy is a story of two men who have been in each lives since childhood but lose contact because of college and life then reconnect again. The story centers around two men, one being Yoo Jaeha, who is older and Jung Eunho who is younger by eight years. Eunho is such a overall cinnamon roll, he’s been in love Jaeha since maybe three years old because that’s when Jaeha first meets him. Since Eunho was a child, he has been asking Jaeha to marry him and Jaeha just brushes it off like we can’t get marry. One time being when Eunho asked him again after hearing a story at school about a prince and princess. Jaeha then says “I told you many times that marriage is between a man and a woman.” Eunho responds “The teacher said it’s between two people who like each other.” and he ends up crying.  This becomes a pattern in their relationship, of Eunho confessing his feelings while Jaeha just ignores his feelings somewhat. Then when Eunho is in high school, they see each other outside the apartment complex where Jaeha thinks Eunho has been drinking by his demeanor so instead of getting Eunho in trouble, they sit outside. Jaeha questions Eunho if anything is happening in school but Eunho says no. He brings up how he would always ask Jaeha to marry him and of course Jaeha remembers. Then Eunho confesses that he likes him and Jaeha thinking Eunho has been drinking, tunes out the confession by saying he’ll pretend he didn’t hear it and walks away. Eunho tries stopping him and saying he is sober but Jaeha keeps walking until Eunho asks if it’s because he is a boy… then adds that it shouldn’t matter to Jaeha. This makes Jaeha stop and look over to Eunho who is crying also saying he liked him first and if he isn’t allowed to like him. Then it cuts to current times in story, it has moments of flashbacks to inform the reader on the character’s history.  So I wanted to structure this by giving you guys some history between Jaeha and Eunho first.

Eariler on in the story -You see Jaeha getting married to Hyesun, there isn’t much info on her as of yet but she’s pretty also helped out fixing the art atelier which Jaeha runs. The art atelier is named after her. At the wedding, Eunho attends and congratulates Jaeha then moves on to current times where they meet again in a cafe which is around two years later. They catch up on what has been happening in their lives like school for Eunho, he also brings up Hyesun and asks how she is but Jaeha hesitates for a moment than informs Eunho that they’re divorced. After seeing each other in the cafe and hearing such news (Jaeha’s divorce), they go to a cafe and catch up also drink. Jaeha ends up in Eunho’s apartment after getting drunk the night before, he makes a speedy exit after figuring his surroundings even when Eunho offered breakfast. Jaeha leaves but forgets his wallet at Eunho’s place. He goes see his friends with benefits Hanjun, the author doesn’t mention it but Jaeha mostly goes to him when he’s feeling lonely. They talk about how to deal with someone who loves them but don’t know how to deal it. Hanjun then mentions if Jaeha is talking about him, then later they make love.  Hanjun drops off Jaeha at the art atelier the next morning and guess who there!!! Eunho with Jaeha’s wallet. Eunho then returns the wallet and sees the art atelier, where Jaeha teaches art. They talked about Eunho’s school and his dating life, he recently broke up with his girlfriend because it didn’t feel right. He asked about taking classes and Jaeha says it’s fine even though he is little surprise because Eunho is more into science than art. Then Jaeha shows him the schedule and the rules of atelier while this is happening, Eunho notices Jaeha still wearing his wedding ring. He asked about it and Jaeha says “I feel empty without it”.  Jaeha changes the subject by asking aren’t you going to be late for school, which Eunho was heading to before he dropped off the wallet.  Before heading off, Eunho asked if he lives all by himself which Jaeha answers yes. He mentions this because he saw Jaeha being dropped off by someone else. He asked who was the person in the car and Jaeha just stares at him stunned almost. Then Eunho answers his own question by saying “Oh I remember, you dated him.”  Then leaves with a smile. Eunho has a tendency to low key stalk Jaeha like waiting in parking lot, that’s where he saw Jaeha share a kiss with Hanjun when he was younger. He also smokes because Jaeha smokes so there’s almost this madness with his love for Jaeha.

Eunho starts at the atelier and his first project is going to portrait. Since he is a beginner, Jaeha suggests to learn to draw eyes, noses, and lips then in a couple months, he could try a face. He isn’t the best which Jaeha expected. When Jaeha is near Eunho, his practice drawing turns out great. So he continues going then finally starts on his portrait, which is going to be of Jaeha. Jaeha says no of course then tells him once he reaches Sookyeong’s level (a talented art student) then he can, which we know will take a lifetime. He helps Jaeha after class to clean up and they talk about atelier and why Jaeha started it. Jaeha said he needed a stable job to get married but Eunho says that isn’t it because he sees how passionate he is during work and really cares about his students. Eunho becomes a regular at the atelier, one rainy day, Jaeha suggests to the students to go drinking after class. They go to a restaurant and have a good time. Jaeha takes a smoking break outside and so does Eunho, thats where he finds out Eunho smokes and says his mom will be sad. Eunho responds with I’m an adult. Eunho notices Jaeha’s clothing while out smoking with him and buttons his collar up and suggests to wear warmer clothes. The next day, Jaeha is sick but still opens the atelier and students are concern especially Eunho, who scolds him for coming in sick. He makes Jaeha go into his office and stay there until he gets him medicine. Jaeha spends the rest of the day sleeping until nightfall. Eunho got him medicine and cleaned up the atelier. He says his goodbyes and leaves while Jaeha calls Hanjun to pick him up. When leaving and stepping out to front of building, he can see Eunho and Sookyeong talking, where Eunho says he likes someone else. Then Jaeha coughs making the two look at him, Jaeha apologizes to both of them. Sookyeong feeling embarrassed leaves with saying goodbye to Eunho. Before Eunho can say anything to Jaeha, Hanjun pulls up and honking the horn. Jaeha turns to leave but before he enters the car, he tells him to think over Sookyeong’s confession and that she’s a good match for him. This probably crushed Eunho’s feelings because as they drove off, he remained in that spot.

Jaeha and Hanjun end up having sex. Later Jaeha cancels his classes until Monday. So obviously Eunho’s calls Jaeha to check on him but Hanjun answers and informs that if he leaves a message, he can pass it on to Jaeha. I guess Eunho tells him to mention that he called but something that bugs me is that fact Hanjun deletes the call in the call history. I understand why he did because he is in love with Jaeha but still. Jaeha eventually recovers and wants to thank Eunho for helping him when he got sick. Eunho shows up early to the atelier and helps Jaeha set up for the class. So as they’re setting up, Jaeha invites him to dinner but Eunho says he has homework to do. Soon class is over and everyone leaves then Hanjun pops up and talks with Jaeha which leads to kissing which Eunho walks in on them.  Eunho came back to tell him that he had time after all but Jaeha looks shocked in the developed, Hanjun takes notice. Eunho ends up rushing out but not after saying “I guess you don’t need me, anymore.” I mean you honestly feel for Eunho because he keeps trying to be closer to Jaeha but not really getting anywhere. Jaeha then tells Hanjun not to come to the atelier anymore. Jaeha then goes home and thinks over the situation that happen earlier and some past events.  Eunho actually shows up the next day and there is tension in air. Eunho is the first to speak saying he shouldn’t worry because he already seen him kissing Hanjun before.  Eunho also tries to get under Jaeha’s skin by  saying he shouldn’t wear his wedding ring while messing around. He even says how would his ex-wife feel if she knew. This hurts Jaeha and he asks Eunho to leave but Eunho continues to push Jaeha’s limit and this blow up leads to Eunho showing Jaeha how he feels by kissing him! Honestly I wonder why Eunho didn’t try this before, maybe he realize actions speak louder than words.

Eunho stops going to the atelier after the kiss, they don’t try to reach out to one other until around Christmas eve. I’m assuming it’s only been a couple weeks since Eunho had exams and there’s always exams before the holidays. Ugh the struggle is real. Anyway Jaeha calls Eunho to ask him why has he been absent and if he’s not coming back, he has to get rid of his things/projects.  Jaeha also invites to the atelier’s christmas eve party, way to wrap things up with a bow Jaeha. Eunho gets upset because Jaeha is acting like nothing happen. Jaeha then puts salt on the wound by saying he’s like a little brother to him. This crushes Eunho and finally stands his ground by not wanting to have a relationship like that. Jaeha is in his feelings with everything that has been happening so he goes Hanjun, where they talk and have sex but this time while having sex, Eunho calls. Hanjun not only answers – when I say answers I mean he accepts the call not an actual hello, he also puts it on speaker. Hanjun doesn’t play around, cold blooded lol. Jaeha tries not to make a noise so Eunho won’t hear. Eunho just says he’s sorry also he hopes they can still see each other. I swear Eunho is too nice for his own good. So Jaeha weakly says I’ll call you later. So forward to Christmas Eve party, Jaeha assumes their relationship will go back to how it was. He is cleaning up after the party is over when Eunho shows up even though he didn’t want to go, he wouldn’t miss Jaeha’s birthday which on Christmas Eve. They talked about old times which Eunho realizes maybe can’t see him as adult because of their history.  So he asks Jaeha to see him as he is and confesses his feelings again. Jaeha responds with he thinks Eunho is mistaking his feelings also if he wants to have sex with him. Eunho of course says yes! but Jaeha warns that their relationship won’t be same after this, which Eunho accepts.

They go to Eunho’s apartment.  Eunho is clearly nervous also questions if Jaeha understands how he truly feels. This is Eunho first time with a man so Jaeha takes the lead. I don’t want to into details 😀 but during the beginning, Eunho takes off Jaeha’s wedding ring off and throws it to the side and says “you don’t need to wear this when you’re with me” then kisses his hand. Slow clap for Eunho! I low key died when he did that. Next Morning, Eunho still can’t believe what happen the night before but they share breakfast and go on a date.  Jaeha opens up a little bit about his divorce and Eunho supports his feelings by saying “he’ll never give up on him.”  Jaeha tends to keep things bottled up and still lives somewhat in past, maybe because he lives in the house, he once shared with his wife. He and Eunho’s relationship continues even though they don’t really put a title on it but Jaeha has stop wearing his ring so that’s a step forward. He’s following Eunho’s lead but also falling in love with him. Over New Years, Eunho wants to make a bet – that if Jaeha starts liking him back then they can get married. Jaeha lightheartedly plays it off. They later have sex but Eunho questions how Jaeha really feels about him. Then one day he sees Hanjun in the cafe before heading to the atelier. He then questions Jaeha of the visit, Hanjun just stopped by to give a gift from art exhibit. Eunho then asks “if anything is going on” which Jaeha says “they’re just friends.” Eunho then brings up that they did date, where Jaeha responds with “why would you think that.” Eunho a little taken back asks “so you’ll sleep with someone if you’re just friends.” Jaeha then says “we do.” I don’t know how he can say that so nonchalantly to someone who has been in love since youth. To make matters worse, he adds “don’t get possessive like your my boyfriend, it’s turn off.” Eunho is left to internalized all of this during class. During a car ride to Eunho’s place, he opens up his feelings, like he doesn’t feel like he can’t really get close because of the barrier Jaeha puts up. When they finally reach Eunho’s place, Eunho is about to head out but Jaeha is surprised that he didn’t invite him up and asks if he should come up. Eunho without missing a beat says maybe later and that he should go rest at home. Later you see that they’re both miserable at home also watching the same movie. Jaeha calls Eunho and they realize they’re both watching the same movie. So Jaeha invites him to the movies as an sorry for being a jerk. They arrive early for the movie so Jaeha suggest ice cream so Eunho goes get ice cream while Jaeha waits near the theater.  While waiting for Eunho, Jaeha’s ex-wife Hyesun shows up (also going to movies) and they talked for a little bit and Eunho sees so he stays hidden watching them. They talked about how the other one is doing but something I thought was kinda bitchy was Hyesun asking about atelier and surprised it’s going well without her help. She eventually leaves because she was meeting someone. Eunho finally comes out with melted ice cream and on the verge of crying. Saying he got lost so that’s why he’s late. Jaeha thinks Eunho is upset over the ice cream and offers to go buy some more. Eunho brushes it off and they go to movie, he is overthinking what he saw and wondering how Jaeha truly feels. After the movies, they go back to Eunho’s place. Jaeha feels bad for taking Eunho out on a ugly day, it started raining so they’re both wet when they arrived back. So Eunho suggest to shower together which they do and end up having sex there then move to the bedroom to continue.

Once in the bedroom, while Jaeha is under Eunho, he hugs him and says sorry. Eunho is a bit stunned. After a second or two, Eunho continues to be in Jaeha also asking what is he sorry for. Jaeha doesn’t answer. Eunho then goes deeper in Jaeha while asking why can’t he just love him and only him. He also wants Jaeha not to have sex with anybody but him. Finally Jaeha says he won’t, Eunho then makes him look into eyes and promise..in which he does. They share a kiss and continue making love. After, Jaeha finally opens up about what happened between Hyesun and him. He also talks about his feelings which brings them closer. Winter break is winding down – Eunho will be going back to school also taking up a tutoring job so he won’t be spending everyday with Jaeha. Jaeha ensures him that he come visit the atelier when he misses him. One day at the atelier when they’re about go home, Eunho confronts Jaeha about keeping something from him and if that’s why he kept apologizing that night. Eunho thinks its because Jaeha might feel sorry or have guilt. Jaeha is shocked when Eunho thinks this. Eunho also brings up on how Jaeha isn’t acting cold but more loving towards him. He also wants to know where they stand and wants a proper answer from Jaeha which he doesn’t give. I wish at least Jaeha gave an answer than just leaving up in the air, especially since he knows how much Eunho loves him and how sensitive he is. Jaeha drives Eunho home and since he gave that certain response in the atelier, Eunho knows he’s probably not coming up. Eunho then makes out with Jaeha which catches him off guard. Things heat up and Jaeha gives Eunho a blowjob but Eunho is a bit rough. Jaeha is into it but still leaves to his house at the end. Eunho reminds him to think of response. After that night, they don’t really talk and Eunho is nervous about contacting him first because he fears he might get rejected. Jaeha also hasn’t reach out. Jaeha is out with some of his students then takes smoking break. Soon his student Sookyeong (talented artist also liked Eunho), joins him and they talk about Eunho. She put together the pieces of who Eunho liked and then she asks Jaeha if he likes him back. He denies it but Sookyeong looks a little confused and says “it seems like you do.” He later goes to a bar and drinks. He calls Eunho over and over again but Eunho is tutoring so he doesn’t see it. Jaeha being drunk goes to Hanjun, the nerve I know but his feelings seem to be coming to the surface. The reason he goes over is to question Hanjun on how was he with Hyesun. Hanjun invites him in, he starts kissing and touching Jaeha. During the make out, Jaeha hits Hanjun on the face and Hanjun response is “isn’t this what you came for?” A shocked Jaeha looks at him then Hanjun adds that he only comes to him for that. Hanjun is fine with Jaeha using him whenever he wanted but he doesn’t want to be rejected with the same terms. There is also a flashback on their relationship where Jaeha basically started that one like his current relationship with Eunho. The thing about Jaeha, he leaves his relationships opened ended so his partner just assumes they’re in a actual relationship then just friends with benefits. So Jaeha realizes this with the flashbacks of his relationship with Hanjun. He breaks down at Hanjun’s, he feels guilty because of how Eunho’s parents care for him when his parents got divorced. He is also nervous because he doesn’t want to hurt Eunho since he hurt people before like Hanjun and Hyesun. He sobers up at Hanjun, and finally getting his feelings out. He then leaves and heading back home in a cab when Eunho calls him. They catch up over the phone and meet up at Eunho’s place. When they finally see each other, they hug. They go upstairs to Eunho’s and make love throughout the night. Either morning or late afternoon, they shared a meal that Eunho cooked and talk about how Sookyeong knew that Eunho liked him. They also talk about last night and share a smile over the food. Jaeha heads back to his home and receives an invite to his mom’s wedding then the chapter ends.

I honestly can’t wait to see what happen next… like who is Jaeha taking to the wedding or maybe he won’t have a plus one. I know the author has more info on the the ex-wife also Eunho’s ex-girlfriend. So I wonder how the characters were in those relationships, I also want more background on Hanjun, since he is love with Jaeha and an interesting character. I hope in future Jaeha finally expresses his feelings to Eunho also grows as a person. I honestly hope these two are end game.

**If you made it this far – THANK YOU FOR READING!!!!  Here’s the second half – Loverboy Season 1 finale + Sidestories Review