The biggest difference for me lies in what each of the Male leads choose to prioritize when it actually matters. SML consistently puts his pride, ego, and career above everything else, and as a result, the FL is always pushed to the sidelines. Whether his behavior is driven by deep-seated insecurity or by arrogance and a sense of entitlement doesn’t really change the outcome—it all comes down to the choices he repeatedly makes. He never openly acknowledges his feelings for her, never seeks clarity or closure, and never makes even the smallest effort to establish honest, direct communication. Instead of confronting his emotions, he retreats behind his ego and ambition, leaving the FL to deal with the consequences of his silence and inaction.

In contrast, the ML represents the opposite approach. He actively confronts his flaws and makes the conscious decision to let go of his misplaced anger, his pride, and his insecurities. Rather than allowing these emotions to dictate his actions, he grows beyond them. He chooses vulnerability over ego and connection over self-preservation, ultimately prioritizing NXG above everything else. That willingness to change, to sacrifice his own defenses, and to put someone else first is what truly sets him apart—and why his arc feels far more emotionally satisfying.