In the past, ML was courted by a male suitor and the other party's actions was pretty excessive, making ML feel rather irate. So it's more of ML's dislike towards that certain person rather than anyone who is gay. It's also not to the extent of having PTSD. Although ML can be a little foul-mouthed at the beginning, he isn't that bad.

(perhaps supported with how his problems are what makes up the story's overarching plot)

Same sentiment applies towards the ending. It's oriented around the MC. Not a fan that MC's also related to the world system. Plot's sufficiently built up towards this detail, but combined with everything else, again, everything pointing towards the MC, it's a bit... frustrating? Disappointing? I don't know.

Unlimited Flow & Interstellar? Let's go!!

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So. I thought it was good, but there were some things that weighed down my rating to... let's say a 3.5? Liked the time travel aspect and was charmed by the supporting cast, but I wasn't... super into the main pairing (SQL is a *very* endearing ML, but what we actually know about him amounts to about as much as the other characters... more on that).

It's a wonderful novel with great ideas, but I feel like they were almost sidelined in favor of relationship development (which in itself was sweet, but a bit... boring, in all honesty). For example, I loved the other members of Team 7 (fun banter, personalities, etc.), but there's not much to them beyond what's shown in the first few chapters. Any info that *is* shown is minor details/implied content. Same comment applies with the "one-off" characters (e.g. Big Beard, love rival, Captain Qi, etc.).

A more detailed example I included is in the spoilers below.

Zhou Mingxuan. I was especially disappointed with how Zhou Mingxuan's conflict in the time bubble was executed. The whole conflict about him and his grandmother is discussed---there's a good point about not wanting to leave because here he's able to spend time with her---but it ends up stilted by their quick departure from the bubble.

MC reaches out a hand to him, talks to him about the unreality of the situation settling in once he gets used to everything, but everything---from the "betrayal" to the turnaround---feels too quick. I don't recall if ZM properly accepts his extended hand because of how tense the situation was then---the moment passes and they just sort of just... shove on the artificial mask and then he's forced to run along with them, so it doesn't even feel like ZM had made his decision then.

In addition, I didn't feel the connection between MC & ZM to be close enough for the moment itself to feel substantial. Once they escape the scenario and are situated back into an "in-between" zone, MC & ZM apparently have a heart-to-heart on the beach, but that's only an alluded scene. We don't actually get to see any of it because then there's a PoV switch to SQ as he's finally processing his feelings.

And we hardly see MC & ZM interact after that.

SQ being a blubbering mess was a cute moment in itself... but I wish it didn't come at the cost of getting to know some of the other characters.

While I feel the world is invigorated by the concept of time/space travel, I don't feel the world itself as actually being alive. There's not enough on actual world-building or other people, alternate societies, etc. Rather, this story's focus is ultimately bound to the MC, his conflict, and/or his relationship with the ML. Unfortunately, I find that "Mist" is weighed down because of that.

One thing I will say about the relationship: I do love how they grow to look after each other while in action. Zombie behind one of them? The other will take care of it. An intended killing blow? Nope, the other will get a blow in first. Truly a power couple.

But together, I feel that they lack... something. I'll have to think on that for later.

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I write this having just finished reading everything, so my thoughts are kind of all over the place. I'll likely edit this review some more with time. (Edit: Might be a while before I get back to this. I've got exams to study for, haha.)

Almost everything had a loop, like the so called strangers that the MC meets and the cats. There was always a logical reason for many things with definitely makes the story much better.

The Mc's personality doesn't feel bland to me nor do their character in general. Although he has a perfect memory, it doesn't necessary mean having an advantage without a disadvantage. There are characteristics that makes him feel more human.

The same goes for the Ml, he isn't just a love interest who dotes on the MC. He is an arrogant person but it's only because of his achievements that he has accomplished. He is also very caring not only to the MC but to his teammates who tends to rely on him. He definitely is a green flag.

The relationship between the MC and the ML doesn't feel unnatural to me, it was smooth and very steady. Neither of them really fell in love at first sight, there was the development of friend, trust, care and etc. They both really care for each other and match their energy.

The side characters is also well written especially the Mc's 'brother' as well as the seventh squad. They add more colours to the novel but also they contribute to the plot. I love all of their dynamics with the MC and the ML it also gives more personality to the two.

The Mc's father was definitely interesting. He wasn't the best father but in a way he tried to be there for him without being found out. I cried with the MC when he found out that his father was secretly helping him during his life. His character felt human especially with his desires and desperation. I liked that the ML was mad at the Mc's father for abandoning his son and his job as a parent to Fix the timelines and save himself.