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Nakyum, out of some sick sense of proving Inhun was right about him, is treating himself as a whore and someone worthless. He has always took whatever bullshit the scholar spouted as a holy writ, be it that plagiarized poem or his kind words.
He’s been exposed to his toxic influence for far too long. Seungho’s only hope is to find a cure which would purge it out of his system because, even if not physically there, Inhun keeps hurting Nakyum and destroying their relationship.
Hell, Seungho gives zero fucks what anyone thinks about him. He pretty much had sex with Nakyum in a tailor's shop for the whole town to see.
If Seungho didn’t care about Nakyum, he wouldn’t be so frustrated by Nakyum’s words nor would he think about them so deeply and for so long. He sure never did give a damn about what his fuck buddies were thinking or whether they were hurt.
In ch 47,there was the ambiguous "Because it hurts?" and now "...to DO THIS. THIS THING." - once again loaded with meaning. This is Seungho confronting himself and what he feels,trying to come to terms with it:"What is this feeling? What is THIS? What are we?" #painterofthenight
It hurts because one day you might run away
and I will be helpless to make you stay.
It hurts to watch you leave,
it hurts beyond belief.
It hurts when I lose myself in your kiss
when the lips you crave are his.
It hurts because you taste so sweet,
it hurts so much my heart bleeds.
It hurts when you avert your gaze
and your bewitching eyes only look at me with hate.
Nakyum is no longer kneeling at Seungho’s feet, looking up at him from the floor like a beggar in a silent supplication of mercy. There is no cruel hand holding his head in place, only gentle fingers under his chin. All this perfectly portrays the newfound equality between them.
It isn't force or fear which make Nakyum come to the nobleman's side and allow him to touch him, it's Seungho's gentleness and kindness. He comes to him willingly and all Seungho needs to do now is ask.