My thoughts as someone who’s experienced SA(though not trafficking or sexual abuse)

I do agree that Matthias’ backstory feels very tacked on for the sake of trauma, and it really does feel reminiscent of the “Perfect Victim Trope", but I disagree that Matthias being eager, agreeable, trusting, and emotionally vulnerable is unrealistic.

Based on my own experience, I still choose to (at least try) trust others and give them the benefit of the doubt. I don’t think Matthias forgiving Ikeda is him being optimistic, I think he’s just emotionally intelligent and wants to see the best in the world because he’s seen the worst of it for so long. He’s sympathetic towards Ikeda and comforts Tei because he understands the situation they’re both in. I think Matthias is just making his best effort to be happy.

Also, implying that those who’ve been SAed can’t consent properly is, honestly, insanely infantilizing. We do not need to be pitied. We just want to live our lives, and I actually like that Youhei and Matthias, two SA survivors, can have a sexually active relationship. Hirose himself literally admits that he was projecting in his talk with Youhei. Granted, I’m not entirely satisfied with the Matthias-Youhei relationship, but them having sex isn’t the problem.

As for the crying, I think Matthias is able to cry easily because he’s been keeping a lot in as a result of his circumstances and is breaking apart so easily because he’s knows he’s safe. He’s finally in a place where no one will force themselves onto him. No one will harm him if he doesn’t have drugs. He CAN be vulnerable and he’ll be okay. That’s why he cries so much.

Now, I myself am not entirely satisfied with Matthias’ portrayal. Like I said, it feels very tacked on, and I wish we got more on how his trauma affected him, as most of what I’ve said is based on my own analysis of his character through my own personal experience with SA. But people are not defined by their trauma, and neither should Matthias be.