While I do think the first few episodes of the drama echo the initial events in the novel, if you’re a viewer who hasn’t read it yet, (or you don’t plan to,) it may be confusing as to how things start out and quickly spiral with these characters. Here are a few generalized spoilers. It’s been a while since I read it so I’m hoping the info is accurate, I’ll update if I’m mistaken. The most important thing to note is that FX is a major red flag. If you think you’ve seen red flags in a series before, just know going in that FX would fight them all for the crown and then lead most of them in the parade. So as long as the viewer doesn’t mind angst, assault and manipulation, please read on.
They first meet when YSL accidentally bumps into FX’s car, this makes FX (who is in the midst of some family drama,) run late. In addition FX is really annoyed by the seemingly put together but carefree and politely apologetic attitude of YSL. In a fit of quick retaliation, he has someone bump into YSL‘s own car a little later, which causes an injury to YSL’s arm. They see each other in the hospital and FX is again put off by the gentle and friendly behavior of YSL, who is really cheerful despite his arm injury. FX also witnesses that YSL is a bit of a selfless hero, disregarding the pain in his arm while volunteering to save the life of a baby and mother, who are complete strangers. This makes FX intrigued but it also adds to his overall irritation of YSL.
FX has some serious trauma stemming from his childhood. As a result he’s grown up skeptical and ruthless, so he hatches a plan to basically upset YSL’s life in as many ways as he can until he sees that YSL is defeated. This includes ‘stealing’ YSL’s current love interest, (unbeknownst to YSL.) It’s important to note that FX never actually shares intimacy with YSL’s lover, his only goal is to flirt with him, take him out, and keep him occupied with modeling jobs until that lover breaks up with YSL all on his own. This is all planned by FX to separate the lovers as a means to manipulate his way into YSL’s life, (because if YSL no longer has a lover, FX will “play“ the role and then intentionally and ruthlessly break YSL’s heart himself.) Thus begins the eventual relationship between YSL and FX, though there’s lots of manipulation on the part of FX to get there, none of which YSL is aware of, including pulling the strings of YSL’s career, involving himself into YSL’s family matters, and also situations in which FX touches and kisses YSL without his consent, (as YSL is under the influence.) I do not believe there is a scene of full-on SA with this couple, but there is questionable moral behavior on the part of FX when it comes to some drunken intimacy early on. When they do start sharing consensual intimacy, YSL falls for FX quickly. He adores him and honestly believes that FX loves and supports him.
When YSL (eventually) discovers that FX was behind the breakup between himself and his long time lover, things start to unravel for FX. That scene was pretty funny as it involved all three parties talking about everything when confronted by one another in the same room. As a result of this confrontation, FX is externally non-chalant about the lie and he’s rather unapologetic. Because in his mind, this was ALL part of his plan to hurt YSL, and he’s FINALLY done it! But the harsh reality is that FX is absolutely destroyed on the inside, he somehow fell in love with YSL and now he can’t breathe, let alone function without him. Thus begins more manipulation and red flag flying.
The novel takes place over a span of 2-3 years. Lots happens, mostly angst. It includes a very prolonged two year separation of the leads as it delves into the PTSD that FX has been facing since his traumatic childhood incident and his eventual fall from unlimited wealth and power. It also goes into detail about how YSL has to move on and try to find his own worth again, starting over in his career and also building a little family of his own. The two of them do weave in and out of each others occasional rare company, but not as lovers, it’s mostly just reluctantly on YSL’s part when it’s totally unavoidable, as FX will do anything to be near him, (even if YSL is unaware.) There is a happy ending for them eventually, but FX had to really, REALLY redeem himself. And in doing so, he proved how much he’d loved YSL all along. Neither party ever physically cheated on each other though, might be the only healthy thing about them in the novel. (Joking.)
