This is exactly why I’m giving Contrast a 1/10. The most disgusting part is Akira openly telling Kanda: “If it doesn’t work out with Kanata, I still have you.” That’s not trauma. That’s straight up keeping Kanda as a emotional and sexual backup plan, a safety net. While he’s “trying” with Kanata, he’s still regularly meeting his toxic ex fwb (who comes to his house while his brother is there). Zero boundaries, zero effort to actually move on. Imagine being Kanata and hearing that. You’re genuinely trying to build something real, but your partner is openly admitting he’s keeping his abusive ex fwb on standby in case things don’t work out with you in the relationship. It’s disrespectful, selfish, and deeply unfair to Kanata. This isn’t “realistic trauma portrayal.” This is romanticizing toxic attachment and trauma bonding. Akira isn’t healing, he’s just dragging someone healthier into his mess while refusing to let go of his past. A lot of people gave this high ratings (8.1+) because they enjoy heavy angst and toxic slow-burns. But for anyone who values healthy relationships, this is infuriating and exhausting to watch. In real life, if your partner said something like this or kept their toxic ex as a “shield,” the correct response is just leave immediately. You are not a therapist, and you shouldn’t have to compete with someone’s unhealed trauma and active backup plan. Huge disappointment.
The most disgusting part is Akira openly telling Kanda: “If it doesn’t work out with Kanata, I still have you.” That’s not trauma. That’s straight up keeping Kanda as a emotional and sexual backup plan, a safety net. While he’s “trying” with Kanata, he’s still regularly meeting his toxic ex fwb (who comes to his house while his brother is there). Zero boundaries, zero effort to actually move on.
Imagine being Kanata and hearing that. You’re genuinely trying to build something real, but your partner is openly admitting he’s keeping his abusive ex fwb on standby in case things don’t work out with you in the relationship. It’s disrespectful, selfish, and deeply unfair to Kanata.
This isn’t “realistic trauma portrayal.” This is romanticizing toxic attachment and trauma bonding. Akira isn’t healing, he’s just dragging someone healthier into his mess while refusing to let go of his past.
A lot of people gave this high ratings (8.1+) because they enjoy heavy angst and toxic slow-burns. But for anyone who values healthy relationships, this is infuriating and exhausting to watch. In real life, if your partner said something like this or kept their toxic ex as a “shield,” the correct response is just leave immediately. You are not a therapist, and you shouldn’t have to compete with someone’s unhealed trauma and active backup plan.
Huge disappointment.