Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on After I Flopped on My Crush
"After I Flopped on My Crush" promised a sweet escape, and for the most part, it delivered. This yaoi novel focuses on Bai Xi, who's been harboring a six-year crush on Qi Xun. A drunken night leads to unexpected intimacy, and Qi Xun suggests a trial relationship. What follows is a story about navigating feelings, growing as individuals, and finding love in unexpected places.
First Impressions
I went in expecting a fluffy romance, and that's precisely what I got. The story is a "sunny MC, cold president ML" trope, but with a mature and well-written twist. It avoids becoming overly saccharine, balancing the sweetness with the underlying bittersweetness of Bai Xi's long-held, mostly silent, affection.
What Works Well
The character development is a major highlight. Both Bai Xi and Qi Xun undergo significant growth throughout the story, and it feels natural and earned. I especially appreciated Qi Xun's journey as he gradually realizes and embraces his feelings for Bai Xi. It's a slow burn, but satisfying to witness. It's also refreshing that the story avoids unnecessary drama and misunderstandings, opting for honest communication between the characters. I found the ex-boyfriend character surprisingly well-handled. Instead of a typical villainous role, he's portrayed with sympathy and even offers some valuable insights. The novel also presents a realistic slice-of-life portrayal of love and relationships. It doesn't shy away from the challenges of balancing work, social life, and romance.
Areas of Concern
While I enjoyed the overall fluffiness, I did find myself wishing for a bit more depth in certain areas. The side characters felt somewhat two-dimensional, and I would have liked to see their stories fleshed out. I also think that the novel could have benefitted from showcasing some of the mentioned "little quibbles" between the main couple. The story leans heavily toward the positive, and a touch of conflict could have added more realism.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some readers mentioned that the ML proposes before he even realizes he loves the MC, which seems a bit odd.
Final Verdict
"After I Flopped on My Crush" is a heartwarming and comforting read. It's perfect for those seeking a sweet, low-angst romance with well-developed characters and a mature approach to relationships. While it may not be groundbreaking, it's a delightful escape that left me feeling warm and fuzzy inside. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a feel-good story to cleanse their palate after a darker read.
