Dandelion: Wishes Brought to You: Jiyeon
Feb. 22nd, 2019 08:26 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
alias_sqbrMasterlist of Dandelion posts
Time for Jiyeon, the cute, affectionate little kitten! Wait, sorry, the adult man pretending to be a cute, affectionate little kitten.
Still deciding how I feel about this one, but it was certainly something.
Content notes: rape threats, and...idk? I just have this weird feeling about some stuff?
Most of the art in this game is pretty good but the images that come up to mark the start of each season are SO BAD.
I was all set to romance Jihae but I find myself wanting to know what Jiyeon's deal is.
The walkthrough makes it sound like he vanishes EVEN MORE than Jiwoo so that'll be fun /o\
YES JIYEON FINE LET'S HAVE A BATH
Lol it's the end of the first week and he's already at max points from getting smiles while Heejung bathes. It's a little surreal while my actual orange-ish cat grumpily demands attention irl.
ha in an inverse of the Jiwoo path, my need to study (which Jiyeon never shows up for) means I have to avoid getting points with Jiwoo...but luckily he is much easier to deliberately alienate.
Jiyeon is the only one so far to try to act like an actual pet, all LOOK AT MY ADORABLE KITTEN ANTICS AS I RUB MY FACE ON YOUR ARM AND PLAY WITH YARN.
Wow, level 2 unlocked (on July 1) and everyone else goes up to a 16 point maximum while Jiyeon's is twenty-nine. I guess to make up for him being so easy!
That's right, he eats oranges as a cat, this guy is a freak.
The first gift from Jiyeon is just...a $5 note haha. Which I can sell for $5, so, thanks Jiyeon! (Normally I feel weird selling gifts but...it's literally money)
I'm failing his femininity requirement?? TIME TO DO SOME LAUNDRY I GUESS /o\
Oops keep gaining points with Jihae, who politely and seriously stares at Heejung's textbook as she studies.
Jiyeon keeps looking sadly at families.
Heejung is a lot more concerned with global warming than your average otome heroine.
I missed the exact date but level 3 is unlocked around August 2. I'm going to try to take note of these dates because it bugs me not being able to remember. Everyone else is at 25 points max and Jiyeon is at fifty.
Next gift: a gossip magazine called "Cherry Boy"
"I drew a forest using Jiyeon's pawprints. Look we drew this together, do you like it?"
JIYEON PATH GET
He keeps meowing for no apparent reason (the believability of these miaows as anything but a dude saying "miaow" varies)
Oh god she's wondering if he's gone into heat and takes him to the vet ahaha.
Heejung: I wish you could speak, and tell me what's wrong...
Jiyeon: Ok *turns into a cute boy, with his head in her lap*
His voice is typical high-pitched "energetic, and cheerfully boyish, in a slightly trollish way" anime character eg Nagisa from Free.
A new but roughly equivalent exposition scene takes place. Heejung flashes back to all the times these guys saw her naked.
Heejung: How do you speak Korean?
Jiyeon: It's the power of love! Well, magic ;)
On the walk back people wonder if Jiyeon is some sort of furry cosplaying foreigner. He says it's a pity noone here has cute animal ears. He has trouble with words sometimes and she wonders if it's an issue with the magic. "Sometimes I make mistakes on purpose to look cute" haha.
And then when they get home...
Something interesting I've noticed: most weekends, everyone but Jisoo is free to go out on Saturday but not Sunday, but he's the other way around. I'm wondering if you ever have to go on a date with him AND someone else on the same weekend.
...yeah, Jiyeon is WAY too into the idea of taking a bath with Heejung...
He's like the anti-Jiwoo, always talking about how pretty she is and how much fun she is to hang around but it's not clear how much is sincere. I wonder if the reason he vanishes is he gets an attack of conscience for manipulating her.
Jiyeon says he's going out to "play with the fire of love", and leaves. Jisoo laughs and says he's actually begging for food. Tailing him would be fun! And it's his first time begging in this world, he might get into trouble...
Wait. Is this a scheme Jiyeon set up and got Jisoo to help with? Jisoo is definitely trying to manipulate her...
OMG JIYEON'S SCAMMING MIDDLE AGED WOMEN WITH A SOB STORY. I ASSUMED ALL HIS FEMALE "FRIENDS" WERE YOUNG BUT THIS IS SO MUCH BETTER.
"My older sister left six months ago to find our father and I haven't seen her since"
Ahahaha I just realised the term he's been using for Heejung is "noona" aka "older sister" (which in Korea is used for any older woman)
Look at this little shit:
Heejung: WHAT HOUSEWORK
Jisoo: Shh
Jiyeon: They only ever feed me oranges ;_;
Heejung: I COOK AND I CLEAN AND THIS IS THE THANKS I GET
Woman: Come to my house! I made steak!
Jiyeon: I haven't had steak in so long...but I should be thinking of my brother in the hospital ;_;
I no longer feel sorry for him having to eat vegan at home when Heejung is dating a rabbit.
Apparently a lot of cats in Furryland feed themselves by begging?! *fails to unpack the catboy racism metaphor satisfactorily*
Jisoo: You have to watch out for cats, they're not who they say they are.
Heejung: Including you?
Jisoo: I'm alright because I'm art of the dog family ;) I'm loyal.
She thinks that yes, he is more honest, even though I'm pretty sure he deliberately manipulated her into seeing this to undermine Jiyeon. Heejung goes home, feeling like she saw something she shouldn't.
Jiwoo: Fish AGAIN? You're favouring the cats!!
Heejung: There's...salad...and, uh, kimchi...
Jiwoo: IT'S ROTTEN AND SPICY.
Jiyeon: Kimchi is great with oranges!
Heejung thinks defensively that she isn't favouring Jiyeon! Just because she likes seeing him be happy...and bought him boxes of oranges...and forgot to buy any other snacks...
16th of October. "Give an orange" just unlocked for human!Jiyeon. When she says no to a bath together he claims to have been joking, sure Jiyeon.
An excited Jiyeon shows Heejung his new phone, saying she can call him any time now.
Heejung: But where did you get it? And how did you register when you have no ID...
Jiyeon: It's a secret ;) Tell me your number! *his voice suddenly significantly deeper* I'll call you when I want to hear your voice. *cute voice* That was a pickup line ;)
Heejung, trying not to blush: No but seriously where did you get it.
Jiyeon: You're number one on my speed dial because you're special. "My...owner..."
Heejung: Whose name is it registered under?
Jiyeon, his smile suddenly seeming empty: Don't worry about it. I won't cause you any trouble.
Jiyeon just gave her a scarf "because she's feminine" and I am 100% sure the story isn't going this way but it struck me how GREAT a version of this would be with Jiyeon as a cross-dressing girl who assumes Heejung is straight but doesn't care at first because it's just a con.
I keep having to give Jihae trash when Heejung studies, to avoid gaining points with him, and he just politely says he'll throw it out for her haha.
"Heejung thinks it's cute of Jiyeon to take baths so frequently"
Jiyeong sees Heejung chatting to Heejae and runs across the street heedlessly, nearly getting hit by a car.
Jiyeon: Hi, I'm Jiyeon, the cat who gained Heejung's heart! Hey Heejung, let's go home together ^_^
Heejae: :O
Heejung drags Jiyeon away before he can say anything else "without thinking". Oh honey, he was thinking plenty.
Jiyeon: That nerdy guy likes you, but I destroyed all his fantasies of you as pure and ladylike ^_^ Don't go out with a geek like that.
Heejung: Heejae is nice, don't be so rude about him.
Jiyeon: Nice isn't the same as attractive. You need a guy who's...*voice gets slightly deeper* I can't imagine you with other guys.
I think he's realising he'd painted himself into the Sweet Innocent Boy corner which is fine for scamming free meals but not so great for flirting. I love this? Like I don't ship them especially hard right now but it's a great story.
Heejung is weirded out by the whole conversation: the idea that Heejae might be into her, and the implication that Jiyeon might be attracted to her himself.
Interesting, unlike Jieun and Jiwoo he doesn't like it if Heejung expresses enthusiasm for the romance movie on a cinema date. "You know it's unrealistic, right?". And when I pick that she doesn't like it he says "such simple love doesn't exist in real life, right?"
All his more recent gifts have been expensive girly things like a designer purse. HMMM.
Heejung is out in the city by herself. Jiyeong left early, and she worries that "her pet is begging for food outside of home".
She goes to a coffee shop (saying "Mocha coffee large size" in clear if accented English) and flips through a magazine of fancy fashionable things only rich people can afford.
And then Jiyeon walks in with an expensively dressed woman, saying "Noona, I hear the coffee here is good." .
woman: What do you want, my Jiyeon?
IS HE A RENT BOY TOO
CHERITZ
THIS GAME IS RATED FOR AGES 11+
His voice is all deep and he's not screwing up his words or acting cute (He also mentioned a blue haired boy called Ritz dating a pink haired girl called Cherry. IS THIS A SELF INSERT BY CHERITZ? Anyway)
Jiyeon tells the womanhe studied abroad in some place she'd never have heard of, but ran away because he was poor and had nobody to help him.
Woman: Do you have any friends in Korea?
Jiyeon: None
Heejung: D:
Jiyeon: Well...one. She's the reason I'm here.
The woman offers him steak but he says he has to go to his (non existent) part-time job. She says "But you have me now!"
Heejung wonders how much of the Jiyeon she knows is the real one.
20th of November and Jiyeon's max is up to 113 while everyone else is at 75.
Heejung has been feeling strange around Jieyon, wondering why he lies so much to people outside the house. Meanwhile he's been hugging her more and more. He asks her to draw him as a cute cartoon character.
Heejung: I don't really draw people...I like animals running free, and beautiful landscapes.
Jiyeon: But I am an animal ;3
She envies the freedom she imagines he had in his own world (because she is apparently terrible at reading between the lines), while he says he envies having parents who look after you (ditto). "In my world we have to look for ways to survive. Especially cats." He slipped into his real, deep and uncute voice while I wasn't paying attention.
She wants to tell him he doesn't have to live like that any more, that she'll take care of him, but...
Heejung: Jiyeon, is there are anything you're worried about, that you want to tell me?
Jiyeon: No ^_^ Heejung...*pauses* It's better if we stay the way we are, with me as the pet and you as the nice owner. I want you to smile at me, and me to be cute. Being loved by you is enough for me. Our relationship should never be more than that. You like things the way they are, don't you?
Heejung: ...yeah
Jiyeon, acting cute again: You're really the best!
Somehow it doesn't feel like a compliment.
"You look so girly and innocent when you're drawing. The only thing that comes across my mind is that I'm not a good match for you..."
Jiyeon gives Heejung a $1000 designer bag and attempts to be cutely evasive about how he paid for it, when she's doggedly ambivalent he blames Jiwoo for suggesting the brand. She tries to explain but is aware that he's a drawn a line between them he doesn't want her to cross. His bright smile as he tries to win her over makes her heart ache.
So according to the walkthough I should have most of his stamps by now but these scenes keep playing during Saturdays which are the only day he goes on dates! I only have 18/30 :(
I was so focussed on stamps I missed the fact it was Christmas until it was upon me. But nothing happened, interesting.
Every now and then when the rabbits piss off the cats they talk about eating them and the rabbits stare like frozen prey animals. I wonder what the predator/prey dynamic is like in furryland.
Heejung cooks steak, and at first Jiyeon is enthused but then he drops his fork and says in his real voice "You watched me that time, in the coffee shop, and in front of the house. You don't have to do this for me."
Heejung: When I saw you lying, it made me uncomfortable. If you need anything, I can...
Jiyeon: I told you clearly, we're fine as we are. Don't follow me again or I might lose my temper.
And then he leaves the room, without having eaten a bite.
While Jisoo cheerfully eats the steak he tries to cheer Heejung up. "Don't judge Jiyeon by his cute looks, like those ladies. Don't get too close to him. And... you can always depend on me."
Heejung thinks this is a kind of weird thing to say when they're not that close, and I think it's kind of weird when he knows he'll vanish.
It's the 1st of January and Jiyeon's points max is now 125. Huuuh he's still in the house but his gift option is greyed out? Even though I have gifts in my inventory??
I ask him how he feels and he says "Just...going here and there. Sorry, I'll get out." I have NEVER had an affection action with him fail before. (Ah, and points-wise it didn't fail, interesting)
It's Saturday and he's greyed out on the dates menu. But thanks to some save-scumming I have 23 stamps so will hopefully be ok.
It's 2 weeks later. Jiyeon is being standoffish and Heejung is trying to give him space and privacy. But she is still concerned.
And then she finds his wallet where he dropped it. She tries to resist the desire to check it out but fails. Inside is hundreds of dollars...and a photo of him with an old woman with cat ears.
Jiyeon runs in, out of breath, and sees Heejung holding his wallet. He tells her to give it back in a cold, intimidating tone, then glares and makes sure she didn't mess with it.
He shouts "I told you not to care! Is it fun to look at other people's stuff? Are you curious to know how much I have in my wallet? I bet you want to know who the woman in the picture is now!"
She tries to apologise, and explain, but can't.
Jiyeon: You follow me, you mess with my stuff...You think I liked you because I acted cute in front of you?
Heejung: I'm sorry! I know it sounds like an an excuse, but I was worried. I thought we'd became close, and I was worried...
...ohhh I have not seen THAT mean smile before...
Jyeon: You and I...we're nothing. Don't try to interfere in my life because you're sympathetic. It's repulsive.
Interesting. He hasn't technically left the house? But he's around a lot less than usual, and his hit rate for showing up when he's theoretically in the same room went from nearly 100% to much lower and now is almost zero. It's a very effective way to get across being passive aggressively ignored.
aaaaaaaaaaAAAAAhhhhAhhahahh???
Wow ok that was so intense I just sat and watched. Let me try to remember...
Everyone's noticed how down Heejung is with Jiyeon being so distant. And then she gets a call on her phone, from his number. An unfamiliar man says "Are you his guardian?"
She finds herself in an alley...with a beaten up Jiyeon. He tried to pick-pocket the man, who threatens to keep beating Jiyeon up unless Heejung pays "damages": $20,000. Jiyeon tells her to back off and let him handle it but she agrees to pay it off within a week, even knowing she'll be the one beaten up if she fails, and that she has no way to get the money.
Afterwards Jiyeon is silent for a long time, and then shouts at her to leave him alone and stay out of his business. When she shouts back that she worries and cares about him too much, he angrily threatens her, looking genuinely scary. But she just can't let him go.
And now it's February and he apparently won't show up in the house again until April. I'm not sure how long it'd have taken me to realise he was entirely gone, since he's been showing up less and less anyway.
...it's been more than a week, what happened with the dude??
please tell me SOMETHING happens plotwise between now and April...
Heejung is worrying about the money, and the fact Jiyeon hasn't returned to the house. She only knows one solution to the money problem... She tentatively asks Jisoo what he knows about Jiyeon.
Jisoo: Why do you like him so much?
Heejung, internally: Like??? Do I...oh no, that would explain some things...
Jisoo: Well, it's against the contract to force you to change your choice. He's in trouble, isn't he? Robbery, pick-pocketing, or fraud?
When she explains, Jisoo tells her she should just Jiyeon go, but understands that she won't.
And when he's left, Heejung picks up the hone...and calls her mother.
Several VERY BORING weeks pass.
And then we see Heejae's sad reaction to the fact that Heejung is moving back to Seoul to live with her mother D: "Why bother graduating from that terrible college, just transfer and start again with law" D:
Heejung has two months to settle things and tell the animals she's leaving. She thought she'd find her dream in Busan but she's still a fool who doesn't know what she wants to do.
Just as she wishes she could say good bye to Jiyeon...she finds him sitting on her bed, looking at a picture she drew of him. He drops the sketchbook on the floor.
Jiyeon: Where did you get the money from?
Heejung: ...you don't need to know.
Jiyeon: What did you like about me anyway? It's ironic to be the one saying this, but you have bad taste in men. Will you like me even if I do this? *pushes her against the wall*
Heejung: This hurts, let me go!
Jiyeon: Isn't this what you wanted?
Heejung: No! I...I just worried! It's not too late, if you just listen to- *he kisses her*
Jiyeon: Are you afraid of me now? You should be. I've been to the lowest point of my life and I'm not scared of anything now. Girls like you need to watch out for garbage like me. This is your last warning. If you get on my nerves again...
He lets her go and she falls to the floor, terrified and miserable. She feels naive to have ever hoped he could go back to the way he used to be. As he walks away she realises this is likely the last time they'll ever see each other.
Heejung: Jiyeon...
Jiyeon: Don't call me that name.
And then he's gone.
(his full dialogue makes it a bit clearer he's threatening to rape her, though still vaguely enough to get past the censors)
MORE BORING WEEKS BLUUUH it's jut the same 3 actions over and over. Bath, sketch, work, repeat.
A depressed Heejung tries to tell the animals goodbye but chokes up.
Then the rabbits notice a strange smell from under the sink...rotten oranges, that Heejung hid under there so she wouldn't see them and think of Jiyeon. She goes to throw them out but collapses to the floor, crying.
Heejung: I...I have to go back to Seoul.
Jisoo: Is this because of Jiyeon?
Heejung: ...
Jisoo: I'll clean this up. Just go get some sleep.
I am having feelings!
And now I am bored again oh GOD when will this END
It's the 11th of March. Heejung is leaving at the start of April. Heejae has found a place for him and Hieun through his modelling agency. Jisoo has a job and board at a fish shop. Jiwoo's going to stay in a temple and write, Jiwoo says "He'll adapt because his ancestor was a hare" which I'm sure makes sense in furrylogic.
Jiwoo: You're not still thinking about Jiyeon are you? I'm going to have to punch that guy the next time I see him.
Heejung: if you do see him, tell him I'm sorry. And that I hoe he doesn't trick people any more.
Jiwoo: Call me if you need me. You can use me if you feel lonely ;) I'm always on your side.
Heejung: uh...thank you.
And now the house is entirely empty.
It's the 17th of March.
Heejung is in the art room, finishing off a piece for the art club exhibition. After this, she won't be able to draw any more at all. Heejae offers to walk her home but the thought of the empty house is too depressing and she says she'll stay overnight.
"I can get into the habit of crying. I have to be perfect in front of Mom."
She wakes to hear Jiyeon calling her name (well, "noona")
Heejung: Jiyeon, I thought I'd never see you again...but why is your face bruised? Did you get into trouble?
Jiyeon: What are you doing here?
Heejung: I'm so sorry for everything, so...please don't go.
Jiyeon: Didn't you hear what I said before?
Heejung: I think about it over and over...what I could have done to have things turn out differently...
She wakes up some more and realises this is her last chance to say the things she didn't get to say before.
Heejung: Please listen. You don't have to stay. But thank you for making me laugh during the time we spent together. Whether that's the real you or not, it doesn't matter any more. For the first time, I wanted to be part of someone's life. Whatever you do, I wish you every happiness. That's all.
He pulls her into his arms. They're cold, as if he has been waiting next to her for a long time.
Jiyeon: What am I supposed to do? Why won't you run away from me? I don't want to hurt you any more. I'm just a piece of trash, why are you so nice to me? Too nice...like her...
She feels them both getting warmer, but Jiyeon is trembling.
Jiyeon: Everyone who becomes close to be ends up miserable. So please...just forget about me.
She thinks about why she's so sure she can't give him up.
Heejung: Jiyeon I...since when did I begin to like you? I can't leave you alone. And I can't abandon you. So don't resist me. I want to stay with you.
Jiyeon: Still? After everything? ...you're going to regret this decision.
Heejung: I don't care.
Jiyeon: Don't go blaming me later.
Heejung: Ok.
Jiyeon, softly: Then...let's go back home.
aaaaaand he's back. And back to suggesting they bathe together, "like newly weds".
He's not going out any more, just staying at home watching tv and eating oranges. He's cheerful and affectionate, but not trying to be cute, and is using his real, moderately deep voice.
He hugs her tightly while she's cooking, saying he likes her in an apron and they're like newly weds. She blushes. I'm not sure if we're supposed to just assume they had sex offscreen...
They cutely banter and she asks if she wants to come with her to Seoul. She's trying to explain why it's not possible for him to live with her, when he says "Ah but I'd have to pretend to be a good little kitty. I couldn't do (beep) and (beep) to you ;)"
Ahaha so she's offended by the words but not the concept...
Jiyeon: I guess I better say goodbye to all the girls I dated ;)
Heejung: Why did you date them when you didn't even like them?
Me: Honey...
Jiyeon: They gave me free food and allowances ^_^ So I have lots of money! How about we just stay here and not go to Seoul? I should have paid anyway :3
NO SHIT, YOU LITTLE PUNK. IF YOU HAD THE MONEY WHY DID YOU WAIT UNTIL NOW??
Heejung: Jiyeon will you promise me not to steal money any more? And no seeing other girls. And...don't worry about being miserable. Let's just try to be happy.
Jiyeon: I promise :)
He talks about how happy she makes him. "For the first time in my life, I believe I can be with another person. You've chosen me, and I don't want to let you down."
Jiyeon: What would you do if I disappeared?
Heejung: Look for you, of course! I will always try to make sure we can stay together.
Jiyeon: Can you promise me that?
Now he's the only one in the house and the only person to go out with on weekends, but is back to his 100% hit-rate and available for dates both days. Got 30 stamps by 29th April woo!
Heejung presumably pays her mother back, then tells her she's staying in Busan and studying art. Her mother says never to speak to her again :( (I'm glad I didn't play this route first or I'd have thought the money might have affected things. But no! Her mother is just that much of an ass!)
Jiyeon talks about being an orphan, growing up in a band of pick-pockets. He continued it on Earth because he wanted to get his own place and stop being a burden. "You're so nice to me and I don't want to make you miserable..."
When he was young, he had a friend called Kain. But Kain attempted a coup against their boss, and turned against Jiyeon when he refused to help. An old woman saw him being chased and took him in. She offered him oranges that she was keeping for her son. She persuaded him to stay and it was the first time he'd experienced a warm, loving home. Every morning he told himself "one more day" and charmed girls into giving him fish and fruit to feed the old woman, who was sick.
And then one day he came home and found the house on fire and Kain waiting for him, gloating about having killed the old woman.
"I promised myself I would never trust anyone, and never hurt anyone nice. Heejung... I'm afraid I'll hurt you."
She understands his behaviour now. He grabs her sleeve. "I'm sorry for being so harsh to you. You know I didn't mean it right? I want to stay with you! If we want it enough we can stay together."
Jiyeon meets with the Wizard.
Wizard: Congratulations on winning the heroine's heart and sending away all your competitors ^_^
Jiyeon: I didn't mean to >:/
The Wizard is smug about how in a month Kain will be dead and Jiweon will be back in his own world, alone. "And the heroine will call for me :D"
Jiyeon: Why are you so obsessed with her?
Wizard: So you call this obsession...I hope that the rest of your days in this world are happy...so that she will fall further in love with you. But please take care not to breach the contract ^_^
Jiyeon comes home with icecream and a romantic card, and is happy to have found a gift that makes Heejung happy.
All his dialogue now is affectionate but bittersweet because he knows he's going soon.
haha for "getting dressed" he complains about only getting to see the dressed her and not the in-progress, then says she'd look cute with cat ear headband to match him.
On the final night, Jiyeon takes Heejung to the beach. They light sparklers, something she has always wanted to do. In the dark by the water it's like a dream of another world. They kiss.
Jiyeon: Even if I screw up again...you'll always find me and be by my side, right?
Heejung: Of course. I will alway try for us to be together.
Jiyeon: Never forget that. I will never forget how happy I was today. Ever.
Heejung: There will be many more happy days!
Jiyeon: ...ok.
The next morning she wakes to an empty house. Assuming he's popped out to the shops or something, she happily starts planning dinner.
...time passes...
The Wizard: Oh no, you've been searching everywhere for the cat? I can bring him back to you...for a price.
Once again she agrees to his deal...and he says he'll fulfil it eventually, but will keep watching her in pain a little longer first D: "Until your wish comes true, you belong to me, and me only."
D: D:
Closing credits.
It's been two months since Heejung was treated for memory loss. She stands at a beach, holding a firecracker, not knowing if she's been here before.
Jiyeon: You remembered the firecracker :)
Heejung: Do I know you?
Jiyeon: You promised you wouldn't forget...I guess I'll have to keep the promise to stay by your side myself.
He stands in front of her, entirely human, holding out an orange, with a smile.
THE END
(I didn't post the final CG because they made his hair all smooth and flat and I don't like it)
Hmm, I'm not sure how I feel about that? I liked a lot of it, but...I guess I needed to feel a stronger sense of real!Jiyeon being different from fake!Jiyeon. I'd been thinking of real!Jiyeon as a morally ambiguous little shit, and was fine with that, so having him have this innocent backstory and pure motives felt more like just another fake!Jiyeon sob story. And Heejung is still pretty bad at setting boundaries or telling when he's lying, so it feels like if he WAS manipulating her she'd never know.
I mean on a meta, intellectual level, I don't think he is being dishonest! I would just like to believe it more strongly on an emotional level. But I have this a lot with redemption arcs for manipulative liars, it's a tough sell to get me to believe that this lovable persona is the real one. Which is a pity because, as in this case, I often love the leadup.
ALSO while I was editing this I ranted to Cam and realised: So Jiyeon saved $20K out of the kindness of his heart so he wouldn't be a burden and get Heejung hurt...and then when a thug is literally telling her "I will beat you up if you don't give me $20K" Jiyeon RUNS AWAY and DOESN'T CHECK ON HER and then only offers the money when her not having it inconveniences him. Honestly it all makes more sense if the thug was a scam and Jiyeon only realised he cared about her after that.
He did better than Jiwoo when it came to tracking her down, though, lol. I've been thinking about why Jiwoo took a YEAR and could only satisfy myself once I decided he'd ended up in prison or something when he offended someone and then it was discovered that he had no ID. Jiyeon's a bit cannier about that sort of thing.
Extras:
The voice actor Myunjun Kim's voice is basically real!Jiyeon, with hints of cute!Jiyeon. Apparently Jiyeon is 19 (though he might be using Korean age which is about a year older)
The card message is super cute.
Hee the concept sketch has Jiyeon in a cat ear baseball cap with little teeth hanging down from the cap. The CG is just human!Jiyeon smiling at the viewer.
Since Jisoo seems to have some similarities to Jiyeon, I might go for Jihae next. Since Jiyeon was rape-ier than I initially expected, maybe Jihae will be less so...
I've been thinking about the work it would require to see the bad ends and feeling exhausted, I might just watch them on youtube.
I got curious and googled the CEO of Cheritz, Sujin Ri, and couldn't find much (Cheritz, as a company, do not like talking about themselves as people, at least not in English), but she's apparently 29, so would have been 22 when this was made.
Oh also he never stops calling her "noona" but afaict that's not as weird as a Japanese guy calling his girlfriend "onee-san" (and significantly less weird than an English speaking dude calling his girlfriend "big sis" lol)
Time for Jiyeon, the cute, affectionate little kitten! Wait, sorry, the adult man pretending to be a cute, affectionate little kitten.
Still deciding how I feel about this one, but it was certainly something.
Content notes: rape threats, and...idk? I just have this weird feeling about some stuff?
Most of the art in this game is pretty good but the images that come up to mark the start of each season are SO BAD.
I was all set to romance Jihae but I find myself wanting to know what Jiyeon's deal is.
The walkthrough makes it sound like he vanishes EVEN MORE than Jiwoo so that'll be fun /o\
YES JIYEON FINE LET'S HAVE A BATH
Lol it's the end of the first week and he's already at max points from getting smiles while Heejung bathes. It's a little surreal while my actual orange-ish cat grumpily demands attention irl.
ha in an inverse of the Jiwoo path, my need to study (which Jiyeon never shows up for) means I have to avoid getting points with Jiwoo...but luckily he is much easier to deliberately alienate.
Jiyeon is the only one so far to try to act like an actual pet, all LOOK AT MY ADORABLE KITTEN ANTICS AS I RUB MY FACE ON YOUR ARM AND PLAY WITH YARN.
Wow, level 2 unlocked (on July 1) and everyone else goes up to a 16 point maximum while Jiyeon's is twenty-nine. I guess to make up for him being so easy!
That's right, he eats oranges as a cat, this guy is a freak.
The first gift from Jiyeon is just...a $5 note haha. Which I can sell for $5, so, thanks Jiyeon! (Normally I feel weird selling gifts but...it's literally money)
I'm failing his femininity requirement?? TIME TO DO SOME LAUNDRY I GUESS /o\
Oops keep gaining points with Jihae, who politely and seriously stares at Heejung's textbook as she studies.
Jiyeon keeps looking sadly at families.
Heejung is a lot more concerned with global warming than your average otome heroine.
I missed the exact date but level 3 is unlocked around August 2. I'm going to try to take note of these dates because it bugs me not being able to remember. Everyone else is at 25 points max and Jiyeon is at fifty.
Next gift: a gossip magazine called "Cherry Boy"
"I drew a forest using Jiyeon's pawprints. Look we drew this together, do you like it?"
JIYEON PATH GET
He keeps meowing for no apparent reason (the believability of these miaows as anything but a dude saying "miaow" varies)
Oh god she's wondering if he's gone into heat and takes him to the vet ahaha.
Heejung: I wish you could speak, and tell me what's wrong...
Jiyeon: Ok *turns into a cute boy, with his head in her lap*
His voice is typical high-pitched "energetic, and cheerfully boyish, in a slightly trollish way" anime character eg Nagisa from Free.
A new but roughly equivalent exposition scene takes place. Heejung flashes back to all the times these guys saw her naked.
Heejung: How do you speak Korean?
Jiyeon: It's the power of love! Well, magic ;)
On the walk back people wonder if Jiyeon is some sort of furry cosplaying foreigner. He says it's a pity noone here has cute animal ears. He has trouble with words sometimes and she wonders if it's an issue with the magic. "Sometimes I make mistakes on purpose to look cute" haha.
And then when they get home...
Something interesting I've noticed: most weekends, everyone but Jisoo is free to go out on Saturday but not Sunday, but he's the other way around. I'm wondering if you ever have to go on a date with him AND someone else on the same weekend.
...yeah, Jiyeon is WAY too into the idea of taking a bath with Heejung...
He's like the anti-Jiwoo, always talking about how pretty she is and how much fun she is to hang around but it's not clear how much is sincere. I wonder if the reason he vanishes is he gets an attack of conscience for manipulating her.
Jiyeon says he's going out to "play with the fire of love", and leaves. Jisoo laughs and says he's actually begging for food. Tailing him would be fun! And it's his first time begging in this world, he might get into trouble...
Wait. Is this a scheme Jiyeon set up and got Jisoo to help with? Jisoo is definitely trying to manipulate her...
OMG JIYEON'S SCAMMING MIDDLE AGED WOMEN WITH A SOB STORY. I ASSUMED ALL HIS FEMALE "FRIENDS" WERE YOUNG BUT THIS IS SO MUCH BETTER.
"My older sister left six months ago to find our father and I haven't seen her since"
Ahahaha I just realised the term he's been using for Heejung is "noona" aka "older sister" (which in Korea is used for any older woman)
Look at this little shit:
Heejung: WHAT HOUSEWORK
Jisoo: Shh
Jiyeon: They only ever feed me oranges ;_;
Heejung: I COOK AND I CLEAN AND THIS IS THE THANKS I GET
Woman: Come to my house! I made steak!
Jiyeon: I haven't had steak in so long...but I should be thinking of my brother in the hospital ;_;
I no longer feel sorry for him having to eat vegan at home when Heejung is dating a rabbit.
Apparently a lot of cats in Furryland feed themselves by begging?! *fails to unpack the catboy racism metaphor satisfactorily*
Jisoo: You have to watch out for cats, they're not who they say they are.
Heejung: Including you?
Jisoo: I'm alright because I'm art of the dog family ;) I'm loyal.
She thinks that yes, he is more honest, even though I'm pretty sure he deliberately manipulated her into seeing this to undermine Jiyeon. Heejung goes home, feeling like she saw something she shouldn't.
Jiwoo: Fish AGAIN? You're favouring the cats!!
Heejung: There's...salad...and, uh, kimchi...
Jiwoo: IT'S ROTTEN AND SPICY.
Jiyeon: Kimchi is great with oranges!
Heejung thinks defensively that she isn't favouring Jiyeon! Just because she likes seeing him be happy...and bought him boxes of oranges...and forgot to buy any other snacks...
16th of October. "Give an orange" just unlocked for human!Jiyeon. When she says no to a bath together he claims to have been joking, sure Jiyeon.
An excited Jiyeon shows Heejung his new phone, saying she can call him any time now.
Heejung: But where did you get it? And how did you register when you have no ID...
Jiyeon: It's a secret ;) Tell me your number! *his voice suddenly significantly deeper* I'll call you when I want to hear your voice. *cute voice* That was a pickup line ;)
Heejung, trying not to blush: No but seriously where did you get it.
Jiyeon: You're number one on my speed dial because you're special. "My...owner..."
Heejung: Whose name is it registered under?
Jiyeon, his smile suddenly seeming empty: Don't worry about it. I won't cause you any trouble.
Jiyeon just gave her a scarf "because she's feminine" and I am 100% sure the story isn't going this way but it struck me how GREAT a version of this would be with Jiyeon as a cross-dressing girl who assumes Heejung is straight but doesn't care at first because it's just a con.
I keep having to give Jihae trash when Heejung studies, to avoid gaining points with him, and he just politely says he'll throw it out for her haha.
"Heejung thinks it's cute of Jiyeon to take baths so frequently"
Jiyeong sees Heejung chatting to Heejae and runs across the street heedlessly, nearly getting hit by a car.
Jiyeon: Hi, I'm Jiyeon, the cat who gained Heejung's heart! Hey Heejung, let's go home together ^_^
Heejae: :O
Heejung drags Jiyeon away before he can say anything else "without thinking". Oh honey, he was thinking plenty.
Jiyeon: That nerdy guy likes you, but I destroyed all his fantasies of you as pure and ladylike ^_^ Don't go out with a geek like that.
Heejung: Heejae is nice, don't be so rude about him.
Jiyeon: Nice isn't the same as attractive. You need a guy who's...*voice gets slightly deeper* I can't imagine you with other guys.
I think he's realising he'd painted himself into the Sweet Innocent Boy corner which is fine for scamming free meals but not so great for flirting. I love this? Like I don't ship them especially hard right now but it's a great story.
Heejung is weirded out by the whole conversation: the idea that Heejae might be into her, and the implication that Jiyeon might be attracted to her himself.
Interesting, unlike Jieun and Jiwoo he doesn't like it if Heejung expresses enthusiasm for the romance movie on a cinema date. "You know it's unrealistic, right?". And when I pick that she doesn't like it he says "such simple love doesn't exist in real life, right?"
All his more recent gifts have been expensive girly things like a designer purse. HMMM.
Heejung is out in the city by herself. Jiyeong left early, and she worries that "her pet is begging for food outside of home".
She goes to a coffee shop (saying "Mocha coffee large size" in clear if accented English) and flips through a magazine of fancy fashionable things only rich people can afford.
And then Jiyeon walks in with an expensively dressed woman, saying "Noona, I hear the coffee here is good." .
woman: What do you want, my Jiyeon?
IS HE A RENT BOY TOO
CHERITZ
THIS GAME IS RATED FOR AGES 11+
His voice is all deep and he's not screwing up his words or acting cute (He also mentioned a blue haired boy called Ritz dating a pink haired girl called Cherry. IS THIS A SELF INSERT BY CHERITZ? Anyway)
Jiyeon tells the womanhe studied abroad in some place she'd never have heard of, but ran away because he was poor and had nobody to help him.
Woman: Do you have any friends in Korea?
Jiyeon: None
Heejung: D:
Jiyeon: Well...one. She's the reason I'm here.
The woman offers him steak but he says he has to go to his (non existent) part-time job. She says "But you have me now!"
Heejung wonders how much of the Jiyeon she knows is the real one.
20th of November and Jiyeon's max is up to 113 while everyone else is at 75.
Heejung has been feeling strange around Jieyon, wondering why he lies so much to people outside the house. Meanwhile he's been hugging her more and more. He asks her to draw him as a cute cartoon character.
Heejung: I don't really draw people...I like animals running free, and beautiful landscapes.
Jiyeon: But I am an animal ;3
She envies the freedom she imagines he had in his own world (because she is apparently terrible at reading between the lines), while he says he envies having parents who look after you (ditto). "In my world we have to look for ways to survive. Especially cats." He slipped into his real, deep and uncute voice while I wasn't paying attention.
She wants to tell him he doesn't have to live like that any more, that she'll take care of him, but...
Heejung: Jiyeon, is there are anything you're worried about, that you want to tell me?
Jiyeon: No ^_^ Heejung...*pauses* It's better if we stay the way we are, with me as the pet and you as the nice owner. I want you to smile at me, and me to be cute. Being loved by you is enough for me. Our relationship should never be more than that. You like things the way they are, don't you?
Heejung: ...yeah
Jiyeon, acting cute again: You're really the best!
Somehow it doesn't feel like a compliment.
"You look so girly and innocent when you're drawing. The only thing that comes across my mind is that I'm not a good match for you..."
Jiyeon gives Heejung a $1000 designer bag and attempts to be cutely evasive about how he paid for it, when she's doggedly ambivalent he blames Jiwoo for suggesting the brand. She tries to explain but is aware that he's a drawn a line between them he doesn't want her to cross. His bright smile as he tries to win her over makes her heart ache.
So according to the walkthough I should have most of his stamps by now but these scenes keep playing during Saturdays which are the only day he goes on dates! I only have 18/30 :(
I was so focussed on stamps I missed the fact it was Christmas until it was upon me. But nothing happened, interesting.
Every now and then when the rabbits piss off the cats they talk about eating them and the rabbits stare like frozen prey animals. I wonder what the predator/prey dynamic is like in furryland.
Heejung cooks steak, and at first Jiyeon is enthused but then he drops his fork and says in his real voice "You watched me that time, in the coffee shop, and in front of the house. You don't have to do this for me."
Heejung: When I saw you lying, it made me uncomfortable. If you need anything, I can...
Jiyeon: I told you clearly, we're fine as we are. Don't follow me again or I might lose my temper.
And then he leaves the room, without having eaten a bite.
While Jisoo cheerfully eats the steak he tries to cheer Heejung up. "Don't judge Jiyeon by his cute looks, like those ladies. Don't get too close to him. And... you can always depend on me."
Heejung thinks this is a kind of weird thing to say when they're not that close, and I think it's kind of weird when he knows he'll vanish.
It's the 1st of January and Jiyeon's points max is now 125. Huuuh he's still in the house but his gift option is greyed out? Even though I have gifts in my inventory??
I ask him how he feels and he says "Just...going here and there. Sorry, I'll get out." I have NEVER had an affection action with him fail before. (Ah, and points-wise it didn't fail, interesting)
It's Saturday and he's greyed out on the dates menu. But thanks to some save-scumming I have 23 stamps so will hopefully be ok.
It's 2 weeks later. Jiyeon is being standoffish and Heejung is trying to give him space and privacy. But she is still concerned.
And then she finds his wallet where he dropped it. She tries to resist the desire to check it out but fails. Inside is hundreds of dollars...and a photo of him with an old woman with cat ears.
Jiyeon runs in, out of breath, and sees Heejung holding his wallet. He tells her to give it back in a cold, intimidating tone, then glares and makes sure she didn't mess with it.
He shouts "I told you not to care! Is it fun to look at other people's stuff? Are you curious to know how much I have in my wallet? I bet you want to know who the woman in the picture is now!"
She tries to apologise, and explain, but can't.
Jiyeon: You follow me, you mess with my stuff...You think I liked you because I acted cute in front of you?
Heejung: I'm sorry! I know it sounds like an an excuse, but I was worried. I thought we'd became close, and I was worried...
...ohhh I have not seen THAT mean smile before...
Jyeon: You and I...we're nothing. Don't try to interfere in my life because you're sympathetic. It's repulsive.
Interesting. He hasn't technically left the house? But he's around a lot less than usual, and his hit rate for showing up when he's theoretically in the same room went from nearly 100% to much lower and now is almost zero. It's a very effective way to get across being passive aggressively ignored.
aaaaaaaaaaAAAAAhhhhAhhahahh???
Wow ok that was so intense I just sat and watched. Let me try to remember...
Everyone's noticed how down Heejung is with Jiyeon being so distant. And then she gets a call on her phone, from his number. An unfamiliar man says "Are you his guardian?"
She finds herself in an alley...with a beaten up Jiyeon. He tried to pick-pocket the man, who threatens to keep beating Jiyeon up unless Heejung pays "damages": $20,000. Jiyeon tells her to back off and let him handle it but she agrees to pay it off within a week, even knowing she'll be the one beaten up if she fails, and that she has no way to get the money.
Afterwards Jiyeon is silent for a long time, and then shouts at her to leave him alone and stay out of his business. When she shouts back that she worries and cares about him too much, he angrily threatens her, looking genuinely scary. But she just can't let him go.
And now it's February and he apparently won't show up in the house again until April. I'm not sure how long it'd have taken me to realise he was entirely gone, since he's been showing up less and less anyway.
...it's been more than a week, what happened with the dude??
please tell me SOMETHING happens plotwise between now and April...
Heejung is worrying about the money, and the fact Jiyeon hasn't returned to the house. She only knows one solution to the money problem... She tentatively asks Jisoo what he knows about Jiyeon.
Jisoo: Why do you like him so much?
Heejung, internally: Like??? Do I...oh no, that would explain some things...
Jisoo: Well, it's against the contract to force you to change your choice. He's in trouble, isn't he? Robbery, pick-pocketing, or fraud?
When she explains, Jisoo tells her she should just Jiyeon go, but understands that she won't.
And when he's left, Heejung picks up the hone...and calls her mother.
Several VERY BORING weeks pass.
And then we see Heejae's sad reaction to the fact that Heejung is moving back to Seoul to live with her mother D: "Why bother graduating from that terrible college, just transfer and start again with law" D:
Heejung has two months to settle things and tell the animals she's leaving. She thought she'd find her dream in Busan but she's still a fool who doesn't know what she wants to do.
Just as she wishes she could say good bye to Jiyeon...she finds him sitting on her bed, looking at a picture she drew of him. He drops the sketchbook on the floor.
Jiyeon: Where did you get the money from?
Heejung: ...you don't need to know.
Jiyeon: What did you like about me anyway? It's ironic to be the one saying this, but you have bad taste in men. Will you like me even if I do this? *pushes her against the wall*
Heejung: This hurts, let me go!
Jiyeon: Isn't this what you wanted?
Heejung: No! I...I just worried! It's not too late, if you just listen to- *he kisses her*
Jiyeon: Are you afraid of me now? You should be. I've been to the lowest point of my life and I'm not scared of anything now. Girls like you need to watch out for garbage like me. This is your last warning. If you get on my nerves again...
He lets her go and she falls to the floor, terrified and miserable. She feels naive to have ever hoped he could go back to the way he used to be. As he walks away she realises this is likely the last time they'll ever see each other.
Heejung: Jiyeon...
Jiyeon: Don't call me that name.
And then he's gone.
(his full dialogue makes it a bit clearer he's threatening to rape her, though still vaguely enough to get past the censors)
MORE BORING WEEKS BLUUUH it's jut the same 3 actions over and over. Bath, sketch, work, repeat.
A depressed Heejung tries to tell the animals goodbye but chokes up.
Then the rabbits notice a strange smell from under the sink...rotten oranges, that Heejung hid under there so she wouldn't see them and think of Jiyeon. She goes to throw them out but collapses to the floor, crying.
Heejung: I...I have to go back to Seoul.
Jisoo: Is this because of Jiyeon?
Heejung: ...
Jisoo: I'll clean this up. Just go get some sleep.
I am having feelings!
And now I am bored again oh GOD when will this END
It's the 11th of March. Heejung is leaving at the start of April. Heejae has found a place for him and Hieun through his modelling agency. Jisoo has a job and board at a fish shop. Jiwoo's going to stay in a temple and write, Jiwoo says "He'll adapt because his ancestor was a hare" which I'm sure makes sense in furrylogic.
Jiwoo: You're not still thinking about Jiyeon are you? I'm going to have to punch that guy the next time I see him.
Heejung: if you do see him, tell him I'm sorry. And that I hoe he doesn't trick people any more.
Jiwoo: Call me if you need me. You can use me if you feel lonely ;) I'm always on your side.
Heejung: uh...thank you.
And now the house is entirely empty.
It's the 17th of March.
Heejung is in the art room, finishing off a piece for the art club exhibition. After this, she won't be able to draw any more at all. Heejae offers to walk her home but the thought of the empty house is too depressing and she says she'll stay overnight.
"I can get into the habit of crying. I have to be perfect in front of Mom."
She wakes to hear Jiyeon calling her name (well, "noona")
Heejung: Jiyeon, I thought I'd never see you again...but why is your face bruised? Did you get into trouble?
Jiyeon: What are you doing here?
Heejung: I'm so sorry for everything, so...please don't go.
Jiyeon: Didn't you hear what I said before?
Heejung: I think about it over and over...what I could have done to have things turn out differently...
She wakes up some more and realises this is her last chance to say the things she didn't get to say before.
Heejung: Please listen. You don't have to stay. But thank you for making me laugh during the time we spent together. Whether that's the real you or not, it doesn't matter any more. For the first time, I wanted to be part of someone's life. Whatever you do, I wish you every happiness. That's all.
He pulls her into his arms. They're cold, as if he has been waiting next to her for a long time.
Jiyeon: What am I supposed to do? Why won't you run away from me? I don't want to hurt you any more. I'm just a piece of trash, why are you so nice to me? Too nice...like her...
She feels them both getting warmer, but Jiyeon is trembling.
Jiyeon: Everyone who becomes close to be ends up miserable. So please...just forget about me.
She thinks about why she's so sure she can't give him up.
Heejung: Jiyeon I...since when did I begin to like you? I can't leave you alone. And I can't abandon you. So don't resist me. I want to stay with you.
Jiyeon: Still? After everything? ...you're going to regret this decision.
Heejung: I don't care.
Jiyeon: Don't go blaming me later.
Heejung: Ok.
Jiyeon, softly: Then...let's go back home.
aaaaaand he's back. And back to suggesting they bathe together, "like newly weds".
He's not going out any more, just staying at home watching tv and eating oranges. He's cheerful and affectionate, but not trying to be cute, and is using his real, moderately deep voice.
He hugs her tightly while she's cooking, saying he likes her in an apron and they're like newly weds. She blushes. I'm not sure if we're supposed to just assume they had sex offscreen...
They cutely banter and she asks if she wants to come with her to Seoul. She's trying to explain why it's not possible for him to live with her, when he says "Ah but I'd have to pretend to be a good little kitty. I couldn't do (beep) and (beep) to you ;)"
Ahaha so she's offended by the words but not the concept...
Jiyeon: I guess I better say goodbye to all the girls I dated ;)
Heejung: Why did you date them when you didn't even like them?
Me: Honey...
Jiyeon: They gave me free food and allowances ^_^ So I have lots of money! How about we just stay here and not go to Seoul? I should have paid anyway :3
NO SHIT, YOU LITTLE PUNK. IF YOU HAD THE MONEY WHY DID YOU WAIT UNTIL NOW??
Heejung: Jiyeon will you promise me not to steal money any more? And no seeing other girls. And...don't worry about being miserable. Let's just try to be happy.
Jiyeon: I promise :)
He talks about how happy she makes him. "For the first time in my life, I believe I can be with another person. You've chosen me, and I don't want to let you down."
Jiyeon: What would you do if I disappeared?
Heejung: Look for you, of course! I will always try to make sure we can stay together.
Jiyeon: Can you promise me that?
Now he's the only one in the house and the only person to go out with on weekends, but is back to his 100% hit-rate and available for dates both days. Got 30 stamps by 29th April woo!
Heejung presumably pays her mother back, then tells her she's staying in Busan and studying art. Her mother says never to speak to her again :( (I'm glad I didn't play this route first or I'd have thought the money might have affected things. But no! Her mother is just that much of an ass!)
Jiyeon talks about being an orphan, growing up in a band of pick-pockets. He continued it on Earth because he wanted to get his own place and stop being a burden. "You're so nice to me and I don't want to make you miserable..."
When he was young, he had a friend called Kain. But Kain attempted a coup against their boss, and turned against Jiyeon when he refused to help. An old woman saw him being chased and took him in. She offered him oranges that she was keeping for her son. She persuaded him to stay and it was the first time he'd experienced a warm, loving home. Every morning he told himself "one more day" and charmed girls into giving him fish and fruit to feed the old woman, who was sick.
And then one day he came home and found the house on fire and Kain waiting for him, gloating about having killed the old woman.
"I promised myself I would never trust anyone, and never hurt anyone nice. Heejung... I'm afraid I'll hurt you."
She understands his behaviour now. He grabs her sleeve. "I'm sorry for being so harsh to you. You know I didn't mean it right? I want to stay with you! If we want it enough we can stay together."
Jiyeon meets with the Wizard.
Wizard: Congratulations on winning the heroine's heart and sending away all your competitors ^_^
Jiyeon: I didn't mean to >:/
The Wizard is smug about how in a month Kain will be dead and Jiweon will be back in his own world, alone. "And the heroine will call for me :D"
Jiyeon: Why are you so obsessed with her?
Wizard: So you call this obsession...I hope that the rest of your days in this world are happy...so that she will fall further in love with you. But please take care not to breach the contract ^_^
Jiyeon comes home with icecream and a romantic card, and is happy to have found a gift that makes Heejung happy.
All his dialogue now is affectionate but bittersweet because he knows he's going soon.
haha for "getting dressed" he complains about only getting to see the dressed her and not the in-progress, then says she'd look cute with cat ear headband to match him.
On the final night, Jiyeon takes Heejung to the beach. They light sparklers, something she has always wanted to do. In the dark by the water it's like a dream of another world. They kiss.
Jiyeon: Even if I screw up again...you'll always find me and be by my side, right?
Heejung: Of course. I will alway try for us to be together.
Jiyeon: Never forget that. I will never forget how happy I was today. Ever.
Heejung: There will be many more happy days!
Jiyeon: ...ok.
The next morning she wakes to an empty house. Assuming he's popped out to the shops or something, she happily starts planning dinner.
...time passes...
The Wizard: Oh no, you've been searching everywhere for the cat? I can bring him back to you...for a price.
Once again she agrees to his deal...and he says he'll fulfil it eventually, but will keep watching her in pain a little longer first D: "Until your wish comes true, you belong to me, and me only."
D: D:
Closing credits.
It's been two months since Heejung was treated for memory loss. She stands at a beach, holding a firecracker, not knowing if she's been here before.
Jiyeon: You remembered the firecracker :)
Heejung: Do I know you?
Jiyeon: You promised you wouldn't forget...I guess I'll have to keep the promise to stay by your side myself.
He stands in front of her, entirely human, holding out an orange, with a smile.
THE END
(I didn't post the final CG because they made his hair all smooth and flat and I don't like it)
Hmm, I'm not sure how I feel about that? I liked a lot of it, but...I guess I needed to feel a stronger sense of real!Jiyeon being different from fake!Jiyeon. I'd been thinking of real!Jiyeon as a morally ambiguous little shit, and was fine with that, so having him have this innocent backstory and pure motives felt more like just another fake!Jiyeon sob story. And Heejung is still pretty bad at setting boundaries or telling when he's lying, so it feels like if he WAS manipulating her she'd never know.
I mean on a meta, intellectual level, I don't think he is being dishonest! I would just like to believe it more strongly on an emotional level. But I have this a lot with redemption arcs for manipulative liars, it's a tough sell to get me to believe that this lovable persona is the real one. Which is a pity because, as in this case, I often love the leadup.
ALSO while I was editing this I ranted to Cam and realised: So Jiyeon saved $20K out of the kindness of his heart so he wouldn't be a burden and get Heejung hurt...and then when a thug is literally telling her "I will beat you up if you don't give me $20K" Jiyeon RUNS AWAY and DOESN'T CHECK ON HER and then only offers the money when her not having it inconveniences him. Honestly it all makes more sense if the thug was a scam and Jiyeon only realised he cared about her after that.
He did better than Jiwoo when it came to tracking her down, though, lol. I've been thinking about why Jiwoo took a YEAR and could only satisfy myself once I decided he'd ended up in prison or something when he offended someone and then it was discovered that he had no ID. Jiyeon's a bit cannier about that sort of thing.
Extras:
The voice actor Myunjun Kim's voice is basically real!Jiyeon, with hints of cute!Jiyeon. Apparently Jiyeon is 19 (though he might be using Korean age which is about a year older)
The card message is super cute.
Hee the concept sketch has Jiyeon in a cat ear baseball cap with little teeth hanging down from the cap. The CG is just human!Jiyeon smiling at the viewer.
Since Jisoo seems to have some similarities to Jiyeon, I might go for Jihae next. Since Jiyeon was rape-ier than I initially expected, maybe Jihae will be less so...
I've been thinking about the work it would require to see the bad ends and feeling exhausted, I might just watch them on youtube.
I got curious and googled the CEO of Cheritz, Sujin Ri, and couldn't find much (Cheritz, as a company, do not like talking about themselves as people, at least not in English), but she's apparently 29, so would have been 22 when this was made.
Oh also he never stops calling her "noona" but afaict that's not as weird as a Japanese guy calling his girlfriend "onee-san" (and significantly less weird than an English speaking dude calling his girlfriend "big sis" lol)
