As a gay man who thrives on a good BL story, I can confidently say Lost in the Cloud isn’t your average fluffy romance. This Korean webtoon (manhwa) by PasKim is a rollercoaster ride of emotions that hooked me from the first chapter. It’s a story that left me breathless with its stunning visuals, captivated by its complex narrative, and utterly conflicted by its characters. Let me tell you why.
Psychological BL: Lost in the Cloud Explores Trauma and Twisted Love
A Secret Obsession and a Twist of Fate
The story revolves around Skylar, a shy and introverted boy harboring a secret crush on his classmate, Chan-il. Skylar’s way of dealing with these feelings? Taking tons of photos of Chan-il and storing them in his precious “cloud storage.” Now, this might sound a little stalkerish, but Skylar’s quiet desperation resonated with me. Don’t we all have those moments where our feelings feel like a secret world we can’t share?
Enter Cirrus, the charismatic and seemingly confident new student. When Cirrus stumbles upon Skylar’s hidden collection of photos, I braced myself for the worst. But here’s where the story takes a surprising turn. Instead of outing Skylar, Cirrus becomes strangely fixated on him. This twist of fate sets the stage for a twisted and intense relationship.
Beyond Enemies-to-lovers: A Dance of Manipulation and Need
While the initial chapters hint at an enemies-to-lovers dynamic, Lost in the Cloud quickly becomes something far more unsettling. Cirrus, despite his charming facade, has a dark streak a mile wide. He uses Skylar’s secret photos as leverage, manipulating him into doing his bidding. Skylar, trapped by fear and a sliver of hope for acceptance, finds himself entangled in a web of lies and manipulation.
Here’s the thing: I hated Cirrus for his manipulative behavior. Yet, there was something undeniably fascinating about his dark allure. Maybe it’s the way PasKim portrays his character – a complex mix of confidence and vulnerability stemming from a troubled past.
A Descent into Darkness and the Beauty of Brokenness
As the story unfolds, we delve deeper into the characters’ traumatic experiences. Skylar’s past is shrouded in a sense of loss and loneliness, making his desperate need for connection all the more heartbreaking. Cirrus’s backstory reveals a childhood filled with abuse and neglect, explaining his twisted sense of affection.
The portrayal of these traumas is what truly elevates Lost in the Cloud. It doesn’t shy away from the darkness that can shape us. But here’s the beauty of it all – even amidst the pain, a fragile connection blossoms between Skylar and Cirrus. They become each other’s anchors, seeking solace in a shared sense of brokenness.
This is where I truly fell in love with the story. The way PasKim depicts their bond is both tender and heartbreaking. You see glimpses of genuine affection, but it’s constantly overshadowed by the power dynamics and emotional manipulation.
A Feast for the Eyes and a Minefield for the Heart
Now, let’s talk about the art. Pas Kim‘s style is simply breathtaking. The characters are expressive, the backgrounds are detailed, and the use of color creates a unique atmosphere for each scene. It’s a visual feast that perfectly complements the emotional intensity of the story.
A Story That Stays With You
Lost in the Cloud isn’t a story for the faint of heart. It tackles mature themes like internalized homophobia, abuse, and manipulation. But if you’re looking for a BL webtoon that goes beyond the typical tropes, this is a must-read.
Be prepared to feel all the feels – anger, frustration, empathy, and maybe even a touch of Stockholm syndrome (looking at you, Cirrus!). The story will stay with you long after you finish the last chapter, leaving you questioning the very nature of love and dependence.
A Personal Reflection: A Story That Mirrored My Own Struggles
As a gay man, Skylar’s journey resonated deeply with me. The fear of rejection, and the yearning for connection – these are feelings I’ve grappled with myself. Seeing them reflected in Skylar’s struggles made me feel understood, but it also brought back some painful memories.
Cirrus, on the other hand, presented a different kind of complexity. He’s a villain you can’t help but be intrigued by. His manipulative behavior is abhorrent, yet it stems from his own damaged past. This duality forced me to question my own perception of good and bad.
Lost in the Cloud is a story that will challenge you, frustrate you, and ultimately leave you wanting more. It’s a beautiful portrayal of brokenness, a twisted exploration of love, and a testament to the power of storytelling. It’s not a story for everyone but for those seeking a BL experience that pushes boundaries and explores the darker corners of the human heart, Lost in the Cloud is a must-read.
Remember, this webtoon tackles sensitive topics. Make sure you’re comfortable with the content before diving in.
Happy reading (and maybe a little bit of emotional turmoil)!
Last Updated on June 13, 2024 by Yu Alexius
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