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MPL Ep 84 - High-Res Artwork + Discussion (Patreon)

Published:
2021-11-06 01:22:47
Edited:
2021-11-28 12:39:02
Imported:
2026-06
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TW: This episode contains psychological themes that might be disturbing or triggering to some. Please proceed with caution, y'all <3 Also our man needs to get himself into a confessional booth lol. Have any thoughts, opinions or theories on this episode? Any burning, or non-spoiler questions you’d like to ask? Leave them down in the comments below. Let's discuss! <33

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Comments

Hihooo

My heart about to be in pieces. Here we go 🍷

TMK

I feel that pose in my bones.

Bekah615

A confessional booth!? What?!

Jaki

Ah, many moments when I was in my mid 20s I had conversations with myself laying on a sidewalk

Frances Marie

I can feel the heartache in this picture.. somehow

maggie

Omg 🥺

Jasmin Gee

CLIFFHANGER! GAH!!! But AMAZING episode!!

Annie

Ahhhhhh!!! So good!!!!

Keely

My heart hurts for Tora. The amount of trauma he has. He’s struggling with wanting to move on like he was told to or let the dark consume him. Poppy has so far made him lean towards getting out of everything and getting a second chance. I’m taking trauma psychology rn and lily you do such an amazing job with everything. Can’t wait till the next ep!

Antonia Richter

shit‘s getting to intense for my poor heart. 😂😂😂💀🔪 i literally was like:“ damn remind yourself to breathe !!“ i love it !

Robin

That cliffhanger should be illegal 😱

Christina Agan

So......so.......anyone else feel their heart drop out of their butt? Or just me? Please say it’s not just me.....

ObstinateHeadstrongGirl

OMG LILY I SO ANGST! What am I gonna do for seven whole days!! So much pain this episode. Anxiety will f*ck your shit up. It’s like we can’t even be mad at him about it (Poppy can though) because he’s not in control. What do they say? Hurt people hurt people. And now things are dangerous again. Poppy’s not even home but someone’s near the balcony. And why is Gil so slick? How did he acquire these skills?? He shouldn’t be this hard to track! I want to run around the house and scream questions into the ether.

Lilz

I've talked myself out of a spiral before so I feel for Tora, but I'm proud of Poppy for not taking his shit lying down either. I have every faith that they'll talk it out eventually but for now I'm happy for her for letting herself be pissed about it.

Margot

Lily!! This was such a beautifully done episode!

Tiffany Krug

I enjoyed this chapter so much. Poor Tora and poor Poppy. 😢 Jul-ri fucked her up so hard it makes it impossible for others to make mistakes without the red flags blowing. Can't wait till next week. Thank you for your hard work 🥰

Christina Agan

IS GYU SAFE?!? WHY ISNT OUR HORRIBLY TATTOOED CINNAMON ROLL PICKING UP?!?!

Lily

Ooofff Bobby giving him the cold shoulder…..this episode was a gut punch

TicklemeAli

Ahhhhhh good ol’ masculine panic ✨😌 👌🏼 buckle up old boi the groveling is about to commence

CaramelBombshell

Say theres some panels missing! Puhleaseeeee 🥴🥴🥴🥴

Evenstar

Our baby boy is crying. 🥺🥺🥺 I can’t.

Christina Agan

I swear, if Gyu is hurt I will shriek a unholy cacophony of angst and sadness......IS IT FRIDAY YET????

TeHeeJones

Poor Tora struggling with the dark inner self. I know how you feel. I am glad you were able to be strong and as Joe said "find your light." I personally don't blame Poppy, I would have hung up on him too. Sadly seem like Tora actually forgot the dick verbiage he said to her at the Cafe. "High activity detected on the balcony... " hope Poppy will be okay. Tora hurry your ass over there! Lily, you are killing me with this cliff hanger 🙁.

Nicole Hurley

What is she never doing again???? 😬😬😬😬

Maria E.

This was a good one. I'm glad she can pull him back from the ledge even when she's not physically with him. Also glad Bobby's standing up for herself. Our tiger had better get his ass over there in time. I'm hoping our Gyu-ey cinnamon roll isn't badly hurt. And I hope Tora is prepared to lay down one hell of an apology after he takes out the balcony trash.

steph

Oh Tora. He's carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. I really appreciate that Poppy is rightfully angry with him, but she still answered his call to let him know she's safe. It would have been really crappy of her to punish Tora by not taking his call, but like Tora said, she's a smart little Bobby, and they both have such big hearts despite what they've been through

larosamorada

Wooooo lawdy this episode... 😵😵😵 I'm still with Poppy and in a moody af space with Tora though. I may or may not have said "Serves ya right, prick!" When she hung up on his ass! This mofo better grovel big time! 😤😤 Sorry Lily 😂😂

BumbleBlueBee

I was having panic attacks over my job this week and thinking of reading Friday night got me through. Poor Tora. Buuuuut Poppy's going to have some words with you young man!!!!

ladylibris

PTSD is just…the worst. I remember hiding in a pitch black bathroom during a school dance because someone wouldn’t stop asking me to dance. Sometimes, it sneaks up on you and you just panic. Tora needs a patient Poppy and time to heal the shreds in soul. 😥🥺🐯🐹

Kala

Is someone supposed to be guarding this balcony? Cause they’re failing miserably!! Lol.

Sarai Villalobos

Ahhhhh 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫 My heart just dropped 😵

VintageNerd

I’m torn y’all !! I’m wheezing with him !!! Ughhhhh I feel bad for him, but this life he’s living is not an easy one. He’s trying for Bobby but mostly for himself but this world is not easy. He’s been through this before, and all those voices in his head apparently his friends have witnessed this before. And boy is Poppy aka Bobby Pisseddddd ! The trip and fall on her way missing the last bus was the icing on the cake for her……Those short answers said it all. But it’s so ironic how she somehow felt something was wrong as Tora was having an anxiety attack. The universe just keeps connecting them in ways that are inexplainable. Btw Gil is a sneeky fucker, he knows that someone is trailing him…. But does know who? Also the strange activity on the balcony…..I think it’s Gil. This was such a good chapter Lily 🥳 You made my Friday night ❤️

Ericha Gramblin

Poppys response to Tora is how I respond to my hubby when I’m mad at him 😅. But She has a right to be upset. Im happy Quiency explained a little but it doesn’t make up for the fact that Tora up and left. Yet I feel for him so much. Dealing with mental health is so hard to do. Even after years of learning how to cope you still think of the worst things possible. Its something I still struggle with personally. What i really love about this episode is that they have such a deep connection that he thought of Poppy right away to calm him down. And based on her intuition she knew something was wrong with Tora. This was just an emotional episode period. And now there is suspicious movement at her apartment 😩. This is too much to handle.

Pallada

Have we met Elron yet?

kinkajou

This was so good. Poppy standing up for herself, realizing she comes first, and Tora finally starting to realize he needs stability and something more than a lifeline in order to live

Olga Kolusenko

Well I hope it’s a very large pigeon at Bobby’s and not a ‘Gil’

romanycreams

Lily the trigger warning and the accompanying disclaimer message was well written! 👏🏻👏🏻 Thanks for always looking out for us <3 Hope you and your team get some well deserved rest!

Princess Potato

I think we can all guess where Gil dipped off to… I have a feeling Poppy is going to experience some of the terror Tora has been trying to hide from her very soon. Poor poppy is going to be so confused and scared, and once she finds out everyone else knew she was in danger and didn’t tell her… she’s going to feel so alone. Just when our Poppyseed was learning to trust again 😔

Juliana

I am an ocean of emotion

Rachel B.

All, I'm saying is: If Gil or anyone else gets to Poppy, I'm electronically busting Tora upside his head! Also, those dark moments can be so intense they feel like one's soul is being sucked in as well. I'm glad he was able to pull himself out of it this time but, what if next time...🤔🤔 I cannot wait for next week!!

Jocelyn Causey

I'm screaming. Cannot wait for next week!!!!

Asia Neal-Allen

That was alot to take it. I understand the stress Tora is under but he definitely did Poppy wrong. I did love how it was his memory of her that helped him calm down. She means more to him than he realizes. It looks like we finna get some drama and a Lil bit of action in this next episode. I'm looking forward to it!! I hope things work out with some more of that lovely communication they are slowly building.

Michelle

THAT CLIFF HANGER THOUGH!!!

Sybille

Three words: The Ra Py. Also, I can't wait for Tora to go full "Way of the Househusband" by the time this series ends (which is, hopefully, a long time from now)

romanycreams

It was good to read this episode from Tora's POV, I think it gave us more context as to how he's been dealing with the 'soul-sucking job' all his life. Whenever shit goes down, he gets into this state where he has to fix things as he's battling his inner demons. It makes sense to me why he essentially bolted from the coffee place (even though he did it in a bad way) because he had already started spiraling out and wanted to control it as much as he could. I know in deep emotional states we don't tend to remember what we say and often end up saying things we don't mean. He doesn't remember how he acted towards Poppy, only that he would pick her up. But our actions have consequences, and as Poppy said even though he didn't mean to hurt her, he ended up doing so and for that he needs to own up and apologise. I hope he learns from this to become better at handling his emotions rather than blaming himself. He knows Poppy is his light now and I hope he starts to rely on her more for emotional strength <3

Lily

Okay in the midst of all this angst and emotion can we all just appreciate Narin City’s finest ass in these jeans? The buns! The thighs! 😍

Pallada

I have to admit, i absolutely love Quincey! That man cares about Tora like nobody else. How can Tora feel like a monster when he has the best bud right there with him? Plus Alice, Gyu, thuglets, even late Joe. Serious therapy is calling Tora's name, though.

AnaBee

This episode made me so sad for Tora. I could really feel the trauma and spiral right alongside him. 😭 I totally get where Poppy is coming from. I just hope he'll have a chance to explain and she'll be willing to listen. I also really hope it's not Gil on the balcony. 😓

Schkaka

Fantastic chapter so well writen. Real relationship dynamics going on here. No one is perfect and neither one of them is wrong its all gonna come down to listening, understanding and compromise. Damn that slippery sucker gill...

Maria E.

And who is Elron? Brian? I love Tora's nicknames for people. And it's smart on his part. Anyone ever gets hold of his phone, they won't have real names to go by to connect back to him.

Erin

This story is bad for my blood pressure 😳🥰🥰🥰

Sydney

This episode hurt my heart for Tora. It reminded me that he’s a man and a broken one at that (although regrettably fictional). He fucked up with Poppy and she had every right to have clicked on him. But this just hit home how lonely Tora is and how deep his trauma runs.

CatW

I liked the moment of emotional connection these two had during his panic attack (also, very realistic portrayal). She feels his feelings along with him even though he is clear across the city, and they are both unaware of the other's recognition of it. Mind you, I'm not happy that Tora is spiraling, though I'm glad he got himself collected. Very good writing! Is this what Lily has alluded to when she says this is like an urban fairytale? It's almost like emotional telepathy or something... What did he mean by "wise little Bobby"? What was he referring to? Let's also talk about how he's always trying to keep her safe no matter what. But when is ANYONE going to fill in Poppy with what is going on? Given that we know that the psychopath on the loose, she should know about her own wellbeing. C'mon crew! I love this story so much. I love you Lily!

Cass the Bass

Damn this episode hit hard. Earlier this year, my husband was having panic attacks just like Tora. He is in recovery and often gets haunted by his past. He would spiral out of control and cry my name to help him…just like Tora called for Poppy. It was so difficult seeing him suffer through them bc he would tell himself he wasn’t worthy and didn’t deserve a second chance at life. So reading this episode was really close to home.

Alyce Tarver

Currently having a real panic attack. Tora, I feel you. It gave me all the feels. Going to do some deep breathing now. Thank you Lily!

Ester-bean

Yeah, Tora needs to journal or something. 😕 Not in a notebook though. I don't think our tinfoil covered heads can handle another notebook 😂 P.S. I hope it doesnt sound like I'm belittling his struggle in anyway... damnnnn it was tough to read 😥😥😥😥

Janice Angelica

Deep empathy for whatever shit Tora have right now :'( he needs to done two jobs at the same time in a different "world" . That must be draining. He was tore in two :'( gosh Lily. Just epic ✨ can't wait for the rest of the storylineeee! How he managed to find the notebook, what would he do? And how he managed the relationship with bobbygirl. Plus, from my POV. It's hard for them to rely for some mental support. Because the two of them have some undone traumas. That would affect how they feel towards each other, or worst to themselves. But let's see how's it going .. Thanks a lot for the great job Lils!!!

Nicole Vogt

Um who is Elron and why wasn’t he in the Butts lineup??!

Bukgirl

thank you, for the trigger warning! It really helps, especially if days are hard.

Frances Marie

So much hate for Tora in the Webtoon comments (>_<)

Disennial

As someone who has suffered a panic attack and lashed out at loved ones, I hope people will give Tora the benefit of the doubt. I am so proud that he was able to pull himself out of it, while also realizing Poppy is going to be angry and hurt by his behavior, but I know that they are going to get through this eventually.

LadyKage

This episode hit right in the Gosh adorn Feels… Torah’s pain and spiraling into darkness is something I can feel when I remember my deep depression in school. My heart squeezed when you called out for Bobby. But when he calmed down and called to check her location I can’t blame her one bit for feeling the way she does! You can’t keep bending over backwards for people to make them feel better. But she should have known this was dangerous stuff he was doing and I’m honestly shocked she didn’t call more, but once again, I totally understand where she is coming from.

Stacy

This was a world wind. JESUS….

Sarah Hernandez

My heart💔😢. I know we all live for the hot and steamy and romantic moments between the two but I love how the subject of mental health is shown❤️

ObstinateHeadstrongGirl

We’re all discombobulated after reading, Lily how are YOU after writing it??? Do you need us to bring you anything? A pillow? Weighted blanket? A puppy? A cookie? Chicken tikka? Cup of cocoa?

Agrothia

So many feels right now... I need a happy... time to re-read happier episodes from earlier 😉

Leonie Raines

Wow. Such a good episode. It was hard, watching him have an anxiety attack. To see the other side of why he acted that way was a benefit we don't get in real life. It was good to see Poppy stand up for herself too. I love the romance and I love that they have real issues, personal and together, to work through. A hard, necessary, gut wrenching episode. ❤️

Emily Buch

Its harder when you dont have anyone, a light, to help pull you out of the darkness. So, you end up sitting in it for awhile... then something comes along and distracts you long enough to temporarily pull you out. It's a viscous cycle.

Jordan Dennis

This episode was awesome! I am someone who struggles with anxiety and panic attacks and this episode described it well and gah Tora pulled at my heart, even made me cry a bit. I’m not mad at Tora or Poppy, I just want them to be happy together! Im happy that our little Bobby is standing up for herself. Trust me, I’ve straight up cussed my husband out and hung up on him quite a few times. So Tora needs to own up to his mistake and apologize to poppy. But I’m happy that Tora has found his light in all this darkness and I hope that he doesn’t lose that. My husband is my light, and I would be lying if I said our relationship is always rainbows and butterflies! But when you love someone so much, you fight for it. And I feel as these two will fight for it. That’s what gives me hope for these two. I just love the character development of this story. 😁 I can’t wait to see these two happy and together again 🤞🏻 Great job as always Lily!

Darla (Tora’s THOT)

I still love tora 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 forever and ever ♾ ❤️❤️❤️❤️ thought it’s was funny as hell for poppy to hang up on him tbh cause she has every right to feel mad, he stood her up. He better do everything possible to make it right. People and our beloved characters aren’t perfect, they make mistakes, they either learn from it or they don’t. I think tora will learn from this. He has to not take poppy for granted, just like she has said so before. I think many of us that have been in long term relationships have gone through situations where our partner has let us down….but if you give them a chance to prove to you of their changes/improvements, it’s all a work in progress. People are work in progresses and so are these characters. Anyway- I’m not in my right horny mindset so I’m done typing

Mia

Oof, this was a hard read. That panic attack was so close to home (literally just had one tonight, had to take a pet to an emergency clinic and their being hospitalized for the night, broke down on my way home and had to pull over to get control of myself). So glad Tora was able to snap out of it. And so proud of Poppy for standing up for herself. Really hoping their able to have a talk next chapter and work through some issues. Obviously not gonna be fixed with one convo, but it'll be a start.

Jeannie Almonte

Sweet Lily, I'm just popping in to let you know that I love your story and your portrayal of a man who is struggling with the correct way to deal with trauma after never being shown the slightest empathy is truly beautiful. I love Tora BECAUSE he is flawed - he is an example of how years of abuse and trauma can lead to self sabotage and mental breaks. I keep reading because you bring both him and Poppy to life in such a real way. I keep reading because the story you have to tell is worth my time and my money. I keep reading because I can visibly see all the work you put into telling a great story! Please don't take any of the comments on webtoon to heart. Don't allow them to sway you away from telling the story that we all wait on pins and needles til Friday to read. You have always been transparent and true about the kind of story this is and those of us that are here supporting you are here because you have never strayed from that or taken a backseat to the hard parts of telling a story like this. So thank you! We see you! We appreciate you! And we support you!

LouCas27

Woah, am late to the party. So how you all feeling? 😤🥲😮‍💨😳😱😵‍💫. Three things: (1) thanks for the disclaimer; (2) I hope that’s Ronzo in the balcony; (3) the hamster and tiger will reconcile soon. The plot thickens!!!

Ricochet

This hurt my heart so much. 💔 But can we just take a moment to commend Lily on those spectacular cityscapes?? 🌃 🌉

Jocelyn

Everyone wants the brooding bad boy, but no one wants to deal with his demons? I take Tora -- full package! Great complex characters, and I love seeing both points of view. This comic has always been a favorite and now it's getting even better the deeper we go. I'm so excited. 😆

Raquel

He was hopping to have dinner with her 😭 Tora those communications skills need some improvement! And poppy felt that he needed her! Poor Tora 😭 What a amazing chapter ♥️ Really can’t wait for the next and really hopping that they will reconcile 🥺

Seazar

I wonder if this is when Tora’s “job” is revealed to Poppy. If now she finds out what he really does, but because his band is forced

ChrissyPooh

Complete RANDOM, but what if it’s Goliath on the balcony 😤

BlueCaty

I'm going to hang on to the supernatural element in this story where she felt his cry for help from across the city and calling his name in her mind reached him and got him out of spiraling deeper into that panic attack. Yeah, she has every right to be mad at him. I’m proud of her for standing up for herself and I love her character growth. Yes, he needs help, but also he needs to make amends for how he behaved. I sense that all the things they postponed talking about are gonna snowball pretty soon. Because we ain't in Moonbright no more, cupcake, no more "I wanna stay here a little longer", you gotta come clean to that girl and set things straight. You gotta choose her if you want to save yourself in the end. Your subconscious already picked her to be your guiding light, so work through your issues and learn to trust her. But why do I have this horrible feeling that it’s going to get worse before it gets better?

Nguyen Cat Alizée

I'm like Tora at the end of this one "you've got to be kidding me!" So much suspense I can't take it 😱 Anyway great episode as always 🥰

Loddy Doddy

I liked that Poppy actually answered cuz it could have been so easy to straight up ignore his call which could have made tora spiral even more but she obvs still cares about his well being too and she made sure he knew from her tone that she’s also angry about how he left. Just her answering her phone no matter how angry she is at him kinda grounded him a bit. I think that’s powerful But my god these high stakes and tension is not good for my heart. THAT CLIFF HANGER!!! I love how you used the alert the first time as a fake out now it’s almost certainly the real deal. Very sneaky Lily

TicklemeAli

That “click” was the sound of a rage level unlocked 🤣🤣🤣 On a serious note Lily, the way you portrayed him getting out of his mental fog was cinematography PERFECTION ✨😌👌🏼I saw the little light becoming stronger and stronger until he was finally able to get out. I love how even unconsciously they are so connected. Homeboi is still totally in the doghouse for me. But, I know they’ll get through it and I’m even more excited to see how he grows from this… and also my petty ass self wants to see her go ham on him. What can I say ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ there’s just something undeniably sexy about a small woman raging #sorryNotSorry. As always a thousand offerings to my Lilypad shrine. I have already ordered 7 gallons of anxiety with 2 of tears to hold me off till next week

Nicole Vogt

Lily - thank you for not being afraid to produce such deep and genuine stories and characters. Mad respect for you and fan for life ♥️

ReineK

Poor Tora

emilyjean

The deep dive into Tora’s mental state was devastating but phenomenally done. This character is really wrestling with his inner emotional turmoil, and sometimes when we’re struggling we hurt those around us. He has a long way to go but on the other hand so proud of Poppy for standing up for herself! A+++ character growth and development right here. 💜 These nighttime scenes are so breathtaking with deep blues and purples, and the city lights all around Tora and Poppy. The environment really enhances the tension and anxiety in this episode, and almost makes you feel like you’re there in the city with them. (If there are any art lovers out here, Lily’s nighttime cityscapes remind me a lot of Yayoi Kusama’s infinity mirror rooms.) So spectacular!

eleawie91

Wonderful episode, thank you! Looking forward to them communicating. And as we creep towards episode 100 I’m dying of anticipation of what’s next for these two. As a side note, although she is slaying that high pony I miss seeing Poppy with her hair down.

Maria E.

So, apparently it took me until the fourth or fifth read-through to REALLY be absorbed by Tora's perspective and appreciate what he's going through. This story is so constantly multilayered that it astounds me every time I notice. Okay, analysis time. I haven't managed one of these in a few weeks. Stupid adulting eating all my time and energy. Anyway... I love the opening shot. It's fully night time, and my brain helpfully supplies the sound of traffic and general city atmosphere. Tora has pulled over--the lone car in the middle of the bridge--and he leans on the railing, alone with his thoughts. The setting puts me in mind of Regina's Peak and the pier in Moonbright. But there are no stars visible this time... which seems to also reflect the distinct lack of Poppylan. ...I'll come back to this line of thought in a bit. Tora's been running around all afternoon/evening, trying to take down Gil once and for all. His telltale bag of "supplies" are in the backseat of the car, and we learn that Gyu has been acting as an extra set of eyes. But otherwise... Tora's been on his own. It's what he's used to. How he works most of the time. ...And it's eating him alive. Tora is an elite assassin. The best of the best. To the point that there are stories and rumors on the streets, built around the jobs he's pulled. And this slimy little creep, who's very existence threatens Poppy's, has managed to evade him all day, staying just far enough ahead to keep himself safe and alive. I'm sure, for the most part, Tora isn't used to failing when it comes to a job. And in this case, the stakes are personal. So failing to take down his mark and effectively protect the first woman he's ever been in love with is getting to him. He's overwhelmed. This all started with a few texts and missed calls from Goliath, someone Tora felt close to once upon a time, but from the first moment he saw Poppy step out of the bushes, every decision he's made has effectively been to keep her safe. Even before he knew who she was. He's been playing this strategic game, only involving other people when he acknowledges he can't do something himself, or when it just becomes necessary for them to have a little more information. But even then, he's been the primary strategist, trying to keep his little hamster safe, while gradually, unintentionally falling more and more in love with her. And all that pressure of working alone, keeping the full scope of his knowledge and strategizing to himself, has been gradually weighing on him, ready to swallow him whole. He heard Joe in his head before, back on Ares Street... and the mental image I have is of this dull, flickering little light inside of Tora. Until Poppy came along. Then she *became* the light inside of him. Which is even reflected by Tora's voice-over text when he saw her outside old Alice's restaurant. And today he pushed Poppy away. In trying to protect her, he cut himself off from her... from his light. As he finds himself spiraling in this episode, the darkness is closing in around him, the ugly voices in his head threatening to silence the positive ones. -You're a monster.- "You deserve a second chance." -You don't deserve anything/anyone.- "Believe in yourself." -You'll be alone forever.- For the first time, we get a real glimpse of the damage and the trauma inside of our Tiger. Throwing back for a moment to my earlier thoughts/comparisons... for the third time now, he's found himself on some sort of overhang. The first time, he was with Poppy, and he tied her to the railing. He wanted to protect her... in the obvious sense of falling from the cliff, but also from the danger that came with associating with him. On the pier, he was with her again, and that time she tried to reach out and save him, but from much less lethal stakes. In the end, she couldn't keep him from falling... either over the railing or into love with her. Now he's here on this bridge. There's no Poppy here this time. No one to grab onto him and keep him safe. Closing his eyes against the darkness, we see tears beading up in his lashes, as he calls out for her to help him. ...And somehow, unknowingly, she hears him. Or feels him. He hears her voice in his mind... and it's her voice that drowns out the ugliness inside him, shining a light into that darkness again. I find it interesting and a bit telling that Poppy's real, practical suggestion for calming himself and overcoming his panic attack is what centered him. The other positive words in his mind were nice, but they weren't tangible. "Leave a light on inside yourself," and, "Believe in yourself." Nice ideas, but difficult to act on. "Take deep, long breaths. Imagine you're at the gym." Those are specific suggestions. And for someone like Tora, especially in a moment like this, they're easier to grasp onto and follow through on. On this last read-through, for the first time, I really felt the dread and the weight in Tora's mind. The self doubt that brought tears to his eyes. And then finally the relief, as the tension eased and he stumbled back from the railing to slump against the upright supports of the bridge. ...Flashing fully back over to Poppy for the first time since last week, we realize his calling out to her really struck her deeply. I love that there's this supernatural aspect here, and that she has no explanation for what she felt in that moment. Then as soon as the dread dissipates, her anger returns. Which makes sense, too, because fear and anger go together so often. Tora hurt her. After she was vulnerable with him and they shared that private moment in the closet, he snapped at her publicly. After saying he wouldn't embarrass her, he humiliated her in front of everyone in that cafe, ditched her, then failed to show that night when he said he would. Tora's feelings are valid, and he's gone through some real, serious trauma that shouldn't just be brushed off. But Poppy's feelings are valid, too, and those shouldn't be brushed off, either. She deserves an apology and an explanation. Back to Tora... he seems to have basically recovered from his panic attack. And he's at least realizing that he seriously fucked up with her, even if he can't remember the full extent of it. It's been more than three hours since he was supposed to pick her up. Roughly six hours since he ditched her at the cafe. That's a long time to be left stewing without any word. And considering she opened up about beginning to trust him when she struggles with trusting in general... that would be some especially acute pain. That in mind, her response when he finally calls her is completely understandable. She's not so cold as to ignore him completely, letting him know that she's safe, before squarely cutting him off. Gyu's lack of response has me worried, though. And I somehow doubt that this is another red herring. Not with that balcony alarm going off again. And not with what we know about Gil now. Phew... that was longer than I was really intending. But kind of cathartic to get out.

emilyjean

Ok after another reread…the sign in Tora’s head saying “you deserve a second chance. Believe in yourself.” Isn’t this the same sign that Alice had outside her restaurant way back in the beginning of season 1? Alice and Joe were probably the first and only people Tora had close that introduced the concept of self-forgiveness and recovery to him 🥺🥺🥺and it makes me all the more curious about the dynamic between Tora, Joe, and Alice.

18000Books

Interesting implications. Super Lilydusk!!!! Poppy is rightly angry, but she doesn't wonder because she feels in her heart the fear for Tora's safety through the shaking of her hands (which she also saw shaking in Tora at the beginning of the second season) :( Tora, perhaps, with the indirect help that comes from the "Poppy method" overcomes the panic attack and makes an indirect admission to himsefl :It is not "just a crush" on Poppy but love. The alarm at Poppy's house leads to inquiries: whoever enters and leaves Poppy's house is looking for something (Computer? papers that Poppy has perhaps inadvertently collected?) Who could be the intruder: Goliath Gil one third?? Next episode is presumed to be at Poppy's house where she will arrive and Tora will also arrive and most likely there will also be "the intruder".

JaxStarGazer

Shit hot damn that was very very intense. There’s not going to be much of me deep diving with this extraordinary episode because it very much speaks for itself. We went dark and then some very fast with Tora and let's face it, that’s been coming for a while for him. I do feel really bad for him, and I’d be surprised if there are people who don’t at this point. The man has so many demons and such horrific trauma that I don’t want to climb into his mind any more than I need to. But I do feel some serious compassion and pain for him. How that slippery little fish slipped through his and Ronzo’s fingers worries the shit out of me. Just who the hell IS this guy? What is his background to have been able to get away? And I have to wonder what Tora was going to do to him. At this point I presume he doesn’t know chin hairs has killed his wife. Just that he’s putting Poppy in danger. So if he was going to take him out out, then that made me take a step back and go woah! What’s the other options here? Maybe I’m just being too naive. Either way his intrusive thoughts and no doubt memories of the past sucker punched him and in turn made me lose my breath too. I love that he brought up Joe’s words and he tried to remember them. But ‘A light? It’s so dark I can’t even see my fingers in here!’ made me shudder. A year ago I was in such a bad head space that the only way I could think to describe it to someone was that I was in the deepest, coldest pit with not even a shred of light or sound and no way to get out of it. So seeing those words hit me more than I expected it too. Of course I’m not in the mafia, so I don’t ‘get it’, but I could relate and I’m sure there were many others too. Equally trying to remember and actively keep that light on so you don’t lose yourself, is so fucking hard and exhausting...but somehow, despite everything he is trying to and it gives me just the smallest shred of hope for him at this point. What a terrifying, yet absolutely artistically stunning sequence of panels as he fights to control Vincent’s voice and remind himself he deserves a second chance! Seeing him cry, lose his breath and fight so hard for himself was actually painful to read. But it was also so beautifully crafted, so dark that I have to give a massive nod to that. The art of this chapter was incredible and it really and truly had that impact on his panic attack. Oh god and then he called out for Bobby! Asking for help and seeing those words - ALONE FOREVER and I genuinely put my phone down to just catch my breath for a second! My heart has never raced as much reading something, as it does reading MPL each week! And then she called out to him too and seeing his expression go from such terror to his eyes opening because of hearing her voice and I lost it. I wonder if he’s ever had anyone else manage to help him work through this in the past? We saw flashbacks to Alice’s sign about giving second chances, but that faded away and didn’t completely help him. But Poppy did and I wonder if we’ll see this happen again in the future. Whether alone or with Poppy… Speaking of, I am a thousand percent here for their connection! That she felt something from him, dread, panic, I mean he was spiralling fast. And that flash she got and calling out to him where he heard...yes, Lily, ma’am, I am here for all of that! I love the concept of having such a strong connection with someone that it transcends space and time etc and so I may be feeling a little giddy and excited right now. I need to pull myself back a bit. I’m so fucking happy she got angry though! That she recognised she’d been stuffing that anger down all day and she was DONE with bending over backwards for others. Yes, Poppy!!! You take that power that’s yours and you damn well protect it. They’ve got some serious conversations to be had soon, but for now I’m glad she didn’t revert back to blaming herself or finding an excuse for him. He did her wrong and she's rightly pissed. And throw in falling over running for the bus - that she inevitably missed! - and my blood would be boiling ready to be aimed at a tiger. What a time she’s having of it… ‘Like I was so sure I’d nail the bastard in time for fucking dinner with her? Christ…’ Here starts the very delicate balance of being a mafia enforcer and dating a civilian - or IS she? Still waiting on confirmation of that....Either way that stood out to me quite a lot. And who is Elron? New thuglet? And props to Tora for saying ‘good job’ to them. A little appreciation goes a long way and I liked seeing that. Says a lot about how he is with his men. Ah shit, so as suspected by many Tora was hundred and ten percent in his own head in the cafe with news of chin hairs giving them the slip that he didn’t even know what he said or did to Poppy. But she doesn’t know that and so I suggest he get that grovelling speech prepared for when the time comes. Which probably won’t be anytime soon if the cliffhanger at the end of this chapter is anything to go by...Like, where the fuck is Gyu? Is he hurt? Is he supposed to be at the guard house? I have questions! Slightly panicky ones, but questions all the same! OK, did I think Poppy would answer his call? Absolutely not because I know I wouldn’t have done it. But she’s a better person than me because she was civil and then did the ultimate burn of, ‘See you around.’ *click* Ohhhhh, he’s just getting all kinds of shit from different angles tonight isn’t he? Although I’m not totally there with feeling sorry for him with the Poppy shade, sorry tiger. BUT although we know they’ve made huge strides towards being more open and working on themselves and together, there’s some super massive walls of secrecy between them and they still have so so long to go. But now I need to know what’s set off the motion detector! Is it chin hairs? Is it Gyu tripping it again? Is Tora going to get his arse in that car and over there, like, NOW? How good is he at shaking off the shitty after effects of a panic attack? Because personally for me I feel like I’m moving through syrup and my reflexes etc are shit. But I just want to shove him into Red and get his butt moving! Are we heading into some action? Am I ready for what’s possibly going to come? I have no idea! Whatever the answers are, I do love the twists and turns that come with this story. I’m crazy about your story telling abilities Lily and even more in awe at the stunning art! The attention to detail and the crazy amount of leaps my heart takes each time I read it. This episode was incredibly tragic, but a great leap into Tora’s mindset, which will only be a good thing I hope. Now I shall just wait with bated breath to see if I’m going to be shocked or breathing with relief next week! One more question though...how often has Tora spiralled before and what was the outcome? Quincey mentioned ‘again’ in the flashback and I’m curious... That’s the last of my questions, for now, Pft pft!

JaxStarGazer

Just don't feel like I said this enough in what I just posted but, a truly fantastic update, Lily! I've thought about it all day, as I normally do, but I really felt it. Thank you for as always, for sharing such an intricate and gritty story. You're incredible!

Stacy

Poppy and Tora need to work on themselves before they get involved with each other. This could potentially be toxic.

BegoniaRex

This episode was an absolute gut punch, but it honestly felt like the first true sign of Tora and Poppy being so much MORE. This is the first time we've really seen Tora break, and he instinctively called out to HER at his lowest point

Melissa Bay Coronado

I’m a bit late for the episode, but I have to say I understand more now. A few chapters ago I made a comment that I thought was harmless but I got snapped back at how I was blaming Poppy for her reactions and putting too little on Tora. And this episode I understood more that comment. I think is great that Poppy is getting to build self-confidence and love, most importantly in this relationship we are all rooting for. I had this eureka moment when Poppy even fully knowing Tora might be in danger, stopped making excuses for them and had more self love and snapped back with “my feelings deserved to be acknowledged”. She has every right to her anger, Tora ain’t a bad person and is full of trauma but I also will stop justifying everything with “he has it harder” because Poppy is lovely and her feelings are valid too and most important, she’s having this important growth moment where she’s finally learning not to give in and to care for herself better too. Love my girl, rotting for both, waiting to see Tora’s growth moment too.

Math’?

Lily. Your art is so good. I love when you draw the night (strange sentence I just made whoops). The colours, the lines, everything is perfect ! BUT Tora crying broke my heart, I wanna hug him so hard

Aquarium_fish

good evening my Lily good evening dears. this episode was very serious and very adult. I also admire your creativity and appreciate the sides of showing a relationship. How complicated it can be. When you have such a difficult past like Tora. i want to say my biggest compliment. because your story is very, very demanding. it's not for the faint of heart.

Gaelle Touzé Veckringer

When I try to imagine what will happen next, I imagine a fight in Poppy’s place. And then, I can’t help to think about one picture you drew. It was in March the 16th 2020. By the way I ´m impressed by your drawing precision and your talents of story teller. Thank you for this last chapter. It helps me to understand the violence in Tora’s childhood and where it drives him. We can see this light which allowed him to make a choice and turn in a good person. The fact he tries to escape when he was a kid or the way he takes care of his team, show us he is stronger than this awful master. But thanks this chapter we see what the price is of this resistance.

Shortstax

Tora and poppy Are soulmates. She has these feelings that connect them on a spiritual plain. She felt his panic attack (?) their souls are linked. This episode was a a gut punch. incredible story telling.

Maria E.

I started a new reread today and realized... the theme of them catching--or at least *trying* to catch--or preventing each other from falling has been going on even longer than I realized before. From the very first day they met, Tora's been there to protect her and break her fall, stating with that tree and that cat. Then there was him worrying about her standing too close to her balcony railing. ...Early foreshadowing? Because it looks like the next episode is going to have them together at her apartment again, and there already seems to be danger on the balcony.

Debbie

I just caught up with this episode today, and damn, my head is spinning. I so want to be angry with Tora for his behavior, and I am, but not so deeply. In the coffee shop, the fear and helplessness caused by failing to find Gil that must have rattled him enough to have such a severe panic attack that he appears to have gone into a fugue state, although this also could have also been the uber-focused Tiger taking over. But despite this, his biggest claim to fame, his flawless skill as a “hunter” and ability to always catch his prey, is failing him at the moment it matters most. This struggle to perform has been causing every negative thought and moment of self doubt that has been reinforced his entire life to come slamming home as he faces the unthinkable, the possibility that is Poppy is in real danger and he has been failing to stop it.

Sara B.

This whole episode was so beautifully executed. I was interested to see the insight that Quincey seems to have been instrumental in getting Tora a "vacation" as I think Vincent called it. They really seem to have each other's backs when it comes down to it.

Nora Noire

Just now getting around to commenting because the comment section on Webtoon had me fucked up. The sheer amount of toxicity was disgusting. People using slurs, someone encouraging suicide...absolute filth. The same person kept harassing people on their comments, trashing the characters and the story. If you don't like it, move on. Read something else. Lilydusk has crafted an amazing story. Her characters aren't perfect people. They have trauma, they make mistakes, and they deal with it in plausible ways. But she's also made it to where they don't follow the standard tropes. Poppy doesn't just take crap lying down. She demands respect while having the emotional maturity to know that reactions aren't always based on what we did to someone. Tora is self aware enough to know when he's going too dark, he just doesn't know how to ask for help, but he is also aware that trauma isn't an excuse to be an asshole, so he takes responsibility for his actions. This has become my favorite comic and I can't wait to see the climax.

recklesssketches

I don't fastpass due to budgeting (even though it's extremely tempting lol) so I'm a little late to the party, but thank you so much for showing the not so pretty sides of trauma and mental illness, especially in men. It's not even that it's rare, it's less diagnosed and helped for them and it's something that needs to be addressed. Seeing tora react this way just felt so heartachingly relatable because I know that feeling, and seeing him use Poppy as his anchor is adorable. I love where this is going, hope that soon he and Poppy can make up, and thank you for the content you create!

Tiffanyyyyy B

Not sure if anyone guessed this yet but I think the intruder is Goliath ... just saying. The whole Season One Finale in how he jumped off some sort of cliff. Then how he swings upself up onto the roof ... seems like a jumper lol