Zen (Hyun Ryu)

This is one of the most important parts of understanding it.

A. A complicated
family childhood
Zen grew up in a conservative family.

His family consisted of:

• His father.
• His mother.
• His older brother.
• He, being the youngest son.
  Their parents had fairly traditional expectations about their children's future. They wanted them to pursue professions considered stable and prestigious.

His older brother represented that model of success.

Zen, on the other hand, wanted to dedicate himself to acting and music.

His mother deeply disapproved of that decision.

B. Emotional

devaluation One of the most painful aspects of his childhood was the way his mother treated his appearance.

Zen was an attractive child, and his mother was afraid that he would develop an arrogant attitude or end up being used by other people.

That's why I told him he was ugly.

Although his brother tried to reassure him that he was attractive, these experiences affected the way Zen perceived his own worth.

Here we can identify several narrative consequences:

• Need to receive recognition.
• Sensitivity to criticism.
• Difficulty in completely trusting praise.
• Desire to prove that you are valuable.
• Need to have control over their own identity.
  C. Betrayal of his brother

This is another fundamental event.

During his childhood, Zen found support in his older brother.

He trusted that his brother understood his dreams and defended him against his mother.

However, she later discovers that her brother also wanted her to quit acting and pursue a traditional career path.

Zen feels that the person he trusted ended up siding with those who rejected his aspirations.

This helps explain why he subsequently develops so much rejection towards Jumin: some of Jumin's characteristics remind him of his brother.

Abandoning home

Zen leaves home as a teenager to pursue his dream.

He begins to live independently and has to work to support himself financially.

His situation was not simple: he had difficulty surviving and came to recognize that he carried out questionable actions to get money.

This probably contributed to develop:

• Independence.
• Distrust.
• Resistance to difficulties.
• Personal pride.
• A strong need not to depend on other people.

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4. Psychological disorders and possible emotional
difficulties Important
Zen does not have a confirmed psychiatric diagnosis in the Mystic Messenger canon.

Therefore, it would not be correct to claim that you have depression, narcissistic personality disorder, or post-traumatic stress.

However, we can study some psychological characteristics that it presents.
Possible difficulty Manifestation in Zen
Personal insecurity Needs recognition and validation.
Sensitivity to rejection Criticism of your talent can affect you deeply.
Difficulties in trusting Your family experience affects your relationships.
Vulnerable self-esteem Their external security contrasts with their insecurities.
Perfectionism A lot is demanded professionally.
Emotional stress: Threats to your career can destabilize you.

Could I have depressive symptoms?

On his route there is a moment when he suffers an ankle injury that threatens his participation in an important production.

This affects him considerably.

He becomes withdrawn, loses some of his enthusiasm, and experiences a period of sadness and insecurity.

It is an important emotional reaction, but it does not allow a diagnosis of depression to be established.

Do you have narcissistic traits?

He has smug behaviors and a visible need for recognition.

However, that doesn't mean you have narcissistic personality disorder.

In fact, it shows empathy, concern for others and the ability to recognize

. Zen Weaknesses
has several weaknesses that can affect your relationships and professional life.

1. Excessive

pride They find it difficult to accept that they need help.

It may interpret certain offers as a threat to its independence.

2. Professional insecurity

Although he boasts of his abilities, he needs to know that others recognize his talent.

Unfair criticism can affect you greatly.

3. Impulsivity

You may react emotionally when you feel that someone is questioning your decisions.

4. Sensitivity to your past

Situations that remind you of your family can generate disproportionate reactions.

This is especially true of Jumin.

5. Personal demand

You can demand too much to achieve your goals.

Your desire to improve can lead you to neglect your own limits.

6. Difficulty accepting certain privileges

Sometimes you turn down opportunities that could benefit you because you don't want to feel like you're getting special treatment

This is where Zen stands out a lot.

• Resilience: she managed to build an independent life after leaving her home.
• Determination: He pursues his dreams even when he encounters obstacles.
• Empathy: genuinely cares about people.
• Loyalty: Deeply values their friends.
• Charisma: knows how to function socially.
• Courage: they are willing to defend what they believe in.
• Discipline: he constantly works to improve his skills.
• Generosity: He is willing to help those who are going through difficulties.
• Adaptability: learned to survive in complicated circumstances.
  One of her greatest strengths is that she doesn't allow family experiences to completely determine her future.

7. Skills and talents
   Acting

It is their main professional skill.

She has experience playing characters in theatrical and musical productions.

B. Singing

He has vocal skills that complement his work in musicals.

C. Dance

Their physical training is also related to the demands of theatrical choreographies.

D. Physical
Condition- Train regularly.

• It has good physical endurance.
• Take care of their muscles.
• Practice to maintain your physical abilities.
  E. Driving

You have a motorcycle and enjoy riding it.

F. Communication

Their extroverted personality allows them to function easily in social situations.

G. Artistic
work
He has experience in auditions, rehearsals and character preparation.

. Main
traits Outgoing and sociable

• Enjoys chatting and meeting people.
• They are not usually ashamed to express what they think.
• You can easily start conversations.
• Likes to attract attention and entertain others.
• Has a good facility to function socially.
  Vain and conceited
• He is proud of his appearance.
• She frequently talks about her beauty.
• Likes to receive compliments.
• Can constantly take pictures.
• Makes smug comments about themselves.
  Of course, he does not want to be considered only a pretty face. He wants recognition for his artistic work.

Flirtatious

• Likes to give compliments.
• Use suggestive comments and romantic jokes.
• Enjoys bringing shame to the people he's attracted to.
• You can be pretty direct when someone is interested in you.
• Has a playful attitude when relating.
  Proud
• It is difficult for them to admit that they need help.
• They do not want to depend economically on other people.
• Defend their decisions.
• Can become defensive when their independence is questioned.
• Finds it hard to tolerate being belittled for their efforts.

2. Her emotional
   side This part is especially important because it contrasts with her public persona.

Sensitive: Although they appear to have unwavering self-esteem, criticism can affect them, especially when their talent is questioned.

Affectionate: When you appreciate someone, you show interest and concern. He is not an emotionally indifferent person.

Protective: Tries to take care of people you consider important and can be quite pushy when you think someone is in danger.

Empathetic: they usually pay attention to the problems of others and offer words of support.

In need of recognition: he wants people to value his effort and not only his results.

Vulnerable: When you are going through difficult times, you may lose some of your usual security.

Its Zen negative
side also has quite notorious flaws.

• Arrogant: can speak as if they are superior to others.
• Competitive: especially when you feel that someone is questioning your abilities.
• Impulsive: sometimes responds before thinking.
• Jealous: may show discomfort when they feel that someone threatens their emotional bond.
• Stubborn: it is difficult for them to change their mind.
• Dramatic: may exaggerate their reactions to get a response.
• Defensive: when they touch on sensitive topics, they can react with irritation.
• Proud: sometimes they prefer to solve things alone rather than accept help.

4. How he behaves socially
   Situation Behavior
   With strangers Sociable, polite and flirtatious.
   With friends Joking, expressive and protective.
   With people he admires Respectful and enthusiastic.
   With arrogant people Sarcastic and confrontational.
   When he is criticized, he becomes defensive.
   When he is worried, he becomes insistent and protective.
   When he is sad He can hide it behind his usual attitude.
   When embarrassed, you may try to hide it with jokes.

5. Her Zen sense of humor
   has a rather particular humor:

• She loves to make jokes about her beauty.
• Use flirting as a humorous resource.
• It can be theatrical and exaggerated.
• Enjoys friendly annoying of friends.
• Sometimes he has sarcastic responses.
• It can turn awkward situations into comical moments.
  And something important: he doesn't always know when to stop joking. HAHAHA.

On its route we can observe a more romantic and vulnerable side.

It is demonstrative:

• Verbally expresses their interest.
• Give compliments.
• Seek to keep in touch.
• Is concerned about the well-being of the person they love.
• Try to make her feel special.
  Protective:

You may worry excessively about your partner's safety, especially when there are situations that you consider dangerous.

He is flirtatious:

He does not lose his playful personality. Even when he is in love, he continues to make romantic comments and jokes.

Is attentive:

Is interested in how their partner is feeling and can offer companionship and support.

May be jealous:

You don't necessarily want to control your partner, but you may feel uncomfortable when you perceive threats to your relationship.

He is proud, but can be vulnerable:

He has a hard time talking about some insecurities, although when he develops confidence he can share aspects of his past.
7. Contradictions of his personality
These contradictions make Zen interesting as a character:
What he shows What also exists behind
A lot of security Personal insecurities.
Independence Need for emotional support.
Vanity Desire for authentic recognition.
Flirting Capacity for affective commitment.
Pride Sensitivity to disapproval.
Extroversion Difficulty talking about some wounds.
Strength Fear of losing what you have worked for.

. Physical characteristics

• Height: approximately 182 cm.
• Build: athletic, slender and muscular.
• Skin: fair.
• Hair: silvery white, with a slight grayish tone.
• Eyes: reddish, with pink hues.
• Face: defined and symmetrical features.
• Jaw: marked.
• Nose: straight and proportionate.
• Lips: defined.
• Body: has developed muscles, especially due to their physical training and theatrical activities.
  Her hair is one of her most recognizable features.
• It is silvery white.
• It has a lot of volume.
• It has a tousled and slightly unruly style.
• She has strands that fall over her forehead.
• It has layers of different lengths.
• Her hairstyle conveys a youthful and carefree image.
  She does not usually wear an overly structured hairstyle. Its eyes have a very characteristic reddish hue.

Her face combines:

• Defined eyebrows.
• Slightly elongated eyes.
• Visible tabs.
• Straight nose.
• Marked jaw.
• Very varied facial expressions.
  Their usual expression usually conveys security and a certain playful arrogance.

When he smiles, he has a rather warm expression; When he gets angry, his features become more serious.
4. Zen build and body
has an athletic build.

• Relatively broad shoulders.
• Muscular arms.
• Abdomen worked.
• Narrow waist.
• Strong legs.
• Good physical condition.
  His body is related to the physical demands of his career as a musical actor.

She also enjoys training and taking care of her appearance.
5. Clothing and style
Her wardrobe changes depending on the occasion.
Casual

Shirts, tight pants and comfortable garments.

Urban

Jackets, dark garments and a more rebellious style. Zen body
language usually has a fairly confident posture.

• Walk with confidence.
• Maintain an upright posture.
• Smile frequently.
• She likes to pose for photographs.
• You can adjust your hair when you want to look good.
• Use expressive gestures to the ha

Its eyes have a very characteristic reddish hue.

Her face combines:

• Defined eyebrows.
• Slightly elongated eyes.
• Visible tabs.
• Straight nose.
• Marked jaw.
• Very varied facial expressions.
  Their usual expression usually conveys security and a certain playful arrogance.

When he smiles, he has a rather warm expression; When he gets angry, his features become more serious.
4. Zen build and body
has an athletic build.

• Relatively broad shoulders.
• Muscular arms.
• Abdomen worked.
• Narrow waist.
• Strong legs.
• Good physical condition.
  His body is related to the physical demands of his career as a musical actor.

She also enjoys training and taking care of her appearance.
5. Clothing and style
Her wardrobe changes depending on the occasion.
Casual

Shirts, tight pants and comfortable garments.

Urban

Jackets, dark garments and a more rebellious style. Zen body
language usually has a fairly confident posture.

• Walk with confidence.
• Maintain an upright posture.
• Smile frequently.
• She likes to pose for photographs.
• You can adjust your hair when you want to look good.
• Use expressive gestures when speaking.
• It has a rather striking presence.

7. Overall
   impression Its appearance conveys a combination of:

• Elegance.
• Masculinity.
• Youth.
• Rebellion.
• Charisma.
• Security.
• Theatrical star aesthetics.

He would be a demonstrative, flirtatious and quite attentive boyfriend.

• You would like to give compliments constantly.
• Verbally express how much you like your partner.
• I would look for moments to spend time together.
• You would enjoy making your partner laugh.
• He would have an ease in initiating romantic conversations.
• Would like to receive love and attention.
• It would be quite protective.
• I would try to make the person I love feel special.
  She wouldn't be someone who wants to keep her feelings hidden for too long.

In fact, you'd probably prefer to make it pretty clear that you're in love.
2. How would you show your love?
Zen would have different ways of showing affection.
Form of affection How would
you show it Words Compliments, statements and words of encouragement.
Time I would seek to share activities and conversations.
Attention: I would ask how your partner's day was.
Protection You would care about your safety.
Details I would have small romantic gestures.
Physical contact Hugs, kisses, and holding hands, if both of you want.

Something important: you wouldn't need your partner to be constantly entertaining you. I would also enjoy sharing quiet moments.

Would he be jealous?
Yes, it could be.

Zen has a territorial facet when it comes to the people he loves, although it doesn't necessarily mean he's controlling.

You might:

• Feel uncomfortable if someone blatantly flirts with their partner.
• Making sarcastic comments about a suitor.
• Seek to reaffirm your relationship through loving words.
• Ask directly if anything worries them.
  However, a healthy relationship would require you to respect your partner's independence and learn how to manage your insecurities.

4. What would it be like when your partner is sad? I think this facet is especially beautiful.

Zen has a protective and empathetic side.

If your partner is going through a difficult time:

• You would try to figure out what's going on.
• I would offer him company.
• I would look for words to reassure her.
• I would try to distract her if she needs to clear her head.
• You would be concerned if you notice that you are hiding your feelings.
• I wouldn't want her to feel abandoned.
  Of course, he could make a mistake trying to solve a problem when his partner only needs to be listened to.

You would have to learn to ask what kind of support you need.
5. What would it be like during the discussions?
Here would appear some of its defects.

When angry:

• May respond impulsively.
• Gets defensive.
• Your pride can make it difficult for you to immediately acknowledge your mistakes.
• You may interpret some criticism as personal attacks.
  When he calms down:
• He can reflect on what happened.
• Is able to recognize that he or she was wrong.
• You can try to fix things.
• You wouldn't want to have a relationship full of arguments.
  It would not be perfect, but it has the ability to learn to communicate better.

6. What kind of partner would you look for?
   Probably someone who:

• Values him for his personality and not only for his appearance.
• Respect your profession and your dreams.
• Be honest with him.
• Don't try to control your decisions.
• Can show affection.
• Be confident to express your

I think this facet is especially beautiful.

Zen has a protective and empathetic side.

If your partner is going through a difficult time:

• You would try to figure out what's going on.
• I would offer him company.
• I would look for words to reassure her.
• I would try to distract her if she needs to clear her head.
• You would be concerned if you notice that you are hiding your feelings.
• I wouldn't want her to feel abandoned.
  Of course, he could make a mistake trying to solve a problem when his partner only needs to be listened to.

You would have to learn to ask what kind of support you need.
5. What would it be like during the discussions?
Here would appear some of its defects.

When angry:

• May respond impulsively.
• Gets defensive.
• Your pride can make it difficult for you to immediately acknowledge your mistakes.
• You may interpret some criticism as personal attacks.
  When he calms down:
• He can reflect on what happened.
• Is able to recognize that he or she was wrong.
• You can try to fix things.
• You wouldn't want to have a relationship full of arguments.
  It would not be perfect, but it has the ability to learn to communicate better.

6. What kind of partner would you look for?
   Probably someone who:

• Values him for his personality and not only for his appearance.
• Respect your profession and your dreams.
• Be honest with him.
• Don't try to control your decisions.
• Can show affection.
• Be confident to express your needs.
• Don't make fun of your insecurities.
• Allows you to feel loved without having to constantly prove your worth.
  Something fundamental for Zen would be to feel recognized as a person, not as a celebrity.

Situation Likely
Reaction Your partner flatters you He would smile proudly and return the compliment.
His partner hugs him He would reciprocate with affection if he feels like it.
His partner prepares food for him He would be grateful and enthusiastic.
His partner teases him He would respond with jokes and flirtations.
Your partner is sick You would worry and offer help.
Her partner is jealous He would try to reassure her and clarify the situation.
Your partner ignores you You may feel insecure and look for an explanation.
Your partner supports you professionally You would feel deeply grateful.

8. What defects would I have as a boyfriend?
   Not everything would be a musical romance. HAHAHA.
9. Vanity: I could talk too much about her beauty.
10. Pride: it would be difficult for them to accept certain aids.
11. Jealousy: they may react emotionally to certain situations.
12. Overprotection: sometimes you could worry more than necessary.
13. Insecurity: professional criticism could affect your mood.
14. Impulsivity: he may say things without thinking when he is upset.
15. Need for recognition: You would need to feel that your partner appreciates your efforts.
16. What would their emotional intimacy be like?
    This would be an especially interesting part.

Zen seems like someone who enjoys receiving admiration, but in a stable relationship he would need something different: to be able to take off the star mask.

With your partner you could:

• Talk about your childhood.
• Share your professional frustrations.
• Show your insecurities.
• Recognize that he is tired.
• Ask for support when you need it.
• Enjoy moments when you don't have to impress anyone.
  I think I would greatly appreciate having an emotional home to return to after a grueling day of rehearsals and performances.

Advantages and difficulties of having him as a partner
Advantages

• Affectionate.
• Expressive.
• Protector.
• Fun.
• Attentive.
• Persevering.
• Romantic.

Difficulties

• Proud.
• Jealous.
• Presumptuous.
• Impulsive.
• Stubborn.
• Sensitive to criticism.
• Overprotective.

11. What would you need most from your partner?
    My interpretation is that Zen would need three fundamental things:

12. Authentic recognition. That your partner admires your work, but also that they love you when you are not shining on stage.

13. Emotional safety. A relationship where you can express your insecurities without feeling like you're losing your pride or masculinity.

14. Independence and companionship. Someone who respects your dreams and who also has their own interests and goals.

Their

relationship is complicated and distant.

• He disapproved of his decision to become an actor.
• I was trying to convince him to pursue a more traditional profession.
• He criticized his appearance to prevent him from becoming arrogant.
• He did not adequately recognize his artistic aspirations.
• He was an important figure in his insecurities.
  Zen ended up moving away from his family because he wanted to build a life of his own.

He does not seem to have an affectionate and close relationship with her. His past remains a sensitive issue.

His father

His father was also part of that conservative family environment and the expectations that weighed on Zen.

He is not a figure with much individual development in the story, so it is not advisable to attribute to him specific behaviors that the game does not establish

. This relationship is especially painful.

When he was little, Zen admired his brother and trusted him. He was one of the few people in his family with whom he felt some connection.

However, he found that his brother didn't truly support his dream of becoming an actor either.

Consequences:

• He felt betrayed.
• You lost an important figure of trust.
• He developed resentment.
• He began to associate certain attitudes with family expectations.
  This explains part of his rejection of Jumin.

Close
friendship Dynamics: older brother and younger brother.

It is probably one of the most tender Zen relationships within the FRG.

Zen usually behaves like a kind of big brother to Yoosung.

• He cares about his studies.
• He recommends taking care of his diet.
• Try to convince them to exercise.
• Scolds your child for spending too much time gambling.
• Offers advice on love relationships.
• Protects you when you are going through difficult times.
  Yoosung, on the other hand, is somewhat envious of Zen's appearance and can't always stand his smug comments.

An important detail: when Yoosung is going through emotionally difficult situations, he seeks company in Zen. The latter even offers to stay at his house so that he feels safe.

Zen doesn't just consider him a friend: he has a rather brotherly attitude toward him.

💼 Jumin Han
Dynamics: arguments, prejudices and respect that take time to appear.

HAHAHA! This relationship is one of the main sources of comedy in the FRG.

Zen can't stand several things about Jumin:

• His wealth.
• Their seemingly indifferent attitude.
• The way they speak.
• His obsession with Elizabeth III.
• Their way of dealing with some labor issues.
  In addition, Jumin reminds him of his older brother.

For this reason, Zen initially interprets many of his actions in a negative way.

Does Jumin hate Zen?

no. In fact, Jumin often recognizes his capabilities and tries to help him professionally.

He even offers her job opportunities, but Zen turns them down because he doesn't want to feel like his career depends on Jumin's contacts.

On his own route, Zen ends up realizing that he had projected some of his family resentment onto him. Both come to reconcile and develop a friendship.

Mind you, his arguments over Elizabeth III will probably never go away

Friendship and admiration
Dynamic: admirer and artist who appreciates her friendship.

Jaehee is a big fan of Zen.

He loves her acting, her talent, and evidently her looks.

Their relationship has some particularities:

• Jaehee enjoys receiving photographs of Zen.
• Admire their artistic work.
• He cares about his career.
• Zen appreciates your support.
• He worries about Jaehee's working conditions.
• Both tend to coincide when criticizing the workload that Jumin assigns to it.
  Do they have conflicts?

Yes. On Zen's route, Jaehee worries a lot about the consequences that a romantic relationship between Zen and MC could have.

He is quite hostile to MC because he fears that a scandal will harm his idol's career.

Over time, he manages to accept the relationship.
Friendship and jokes
Dynamics: two friends who are constantly annoying.

Seven and Zen have a pretty funny relationship.

Seven enjoys provoking him, especially with jokes about his appearance and vanity.

Zen usually responds with irritation, although it does not mean that he really dislikes it.

There is also genuine concern between the two:

• Zen insists that he eat correctly.
• Worries about their eating habits.
• Recognize their talent as a hacker.
• Seven has helped promote Zen's artistic career.
• Zen knows that Seven is a good person, even if he sometimes finds him quite strange.
  One of the most interesting things is that Zen gets to take care of Seven when he is going through difficult situations.

He doesn't always understand his behavior, but he cares about it

Respect and gratitude
Dynamics: trust and admiration.

Zen has a fairly positive opinion of V.

Their relationship is marked by an important event: V rescued him after a motorcycle accident.

In addition:

• V recognized his artistic potential.
• It helped him get recognition.
• He took pictures of it to promote it.
• Zen is very grateful to him.
• Be quite confident in their intentions.
  However, Zen doesn't know all of V and Rika's secrets.

When he begins to discover that there are aspects of his history that he was unaware of, he also experiences confusion and disappointment.
Dynamics: gratitude and admiration.

Rika was important for the beginning of her career.

He met him when he was not yet a recognized actor and praised his abilities.

Zen saw her as a kind, generous, and caring woman for others.

• I thanked him for having recognized his talent.
• She appreciated that she had introduced him to V.
• She trusted the positive image he had of her.
• His supposed death caused him sadness.
  When he begins to learn the truth about Rika, he experiences a strong surprise, as do the other members.

Saeran Choi

Zen initially doesn't know his entire history or the circumstances that led him to become Unknown.

When he discovers the existence of Mint Eye and the events surrounding Saeran, his perspective changes.

Zen is someone who values personal freedom very much and hates other people being manipulated or controlled.

Therefore, you would probably feel:

• Rejection of Mint Eye's practices.
• Concern for the people involved.
• Outrage at the suffering Saeran experienced.
• Distrust of their dangerous behaviors.
• Compassion in learning about their story.
  He wouldn't automatically justify his actions because of his past, but he could understand that Saeran was the victim of extremely damaging circumstances.

2. How would Zen react to learning about his past?
   When Zen learns about the history of the Choi brothers, there are several elements that could affect him.

Saeran

Zen's childhood also had a childhood marked by family problems, rejection and lack of support.

However, their experiences were different in severity and circumstances.

He could identify with certain feelings:

• Feeling rejected by the family.
• Not receiving support from the people who should be protecting you.
• Having difficulty trusting.
• Feeling that you must build your own life.
• Experiencing resentment toward those who hurt you.
  I think Zen would have a hard time fully comprehending the magnitude of what Saeran experienced, but he wouldn't be indifferent.

3. How would they get along personally?

This is where their personalities might collide.
Zen Saeran
Extroverted Reserved or distrustful.
Expressive Emotionally unstable at certain stages.
Flirtatious and joking Can interpret the intentions of others negatively.
Protector You can refuse help.
Proud Has deep difficulties with trust.
Sociable Can isolate themselves.

Zen would probably try to get closer through conversation and banter, but he would quickly discover that Saeran is not someone with whom he can use his usual methods of socializing.

Would Saeran put up with Zen?

It would depend a lot on the stage of its history.

During his time as Unknown, he would probably have little patience for jokes, flirting, and Zen's smug personality.

You might even interpret your attitude as superficial or irritating.

Zen, for his part, would have to learn not to take all his reactions personally.
4. Would Zen feel compassion for Saeran?
Yes, I think it's quite likely.

Zen has a protective side and is often concerned about those who are going through difficult situations.

In addition, he knows what it means to feel rejected by his own family.

However, there is an important difference: Zen is not a psychologist nor does he have the responsibility to cure Saeran.

I could offer you:

• Company.
• Conversations.
• Emotional support.
• Respect for their limits.
• An environment where you don't have to prove anything.
  But he would also set boundaries if Saeran treated him aggressively.

I believe that this would be one of the issues that would concern him the most.

Zen meets Saeyoung, and although he teases him constantly, he also considers him a friend.

Knowing the history of both brothers, you may experience conflicting feelings.

• He would care about Saeyoung.
• I would feel compassion for Saeran.
• He would be angry about the circumstances that separated them.
• He would not initially understand all of Saeyoung's decisions.
• I wish the two could reconcile.
  Zen probably wouldn't choose to consider one of the brothers as the sole culprit without knowing the whole story.

6. How would you treat Saeran after Mint Eye?
   Here we must distinguish the Saeran stages, because they are not interchangeable.
   Saeran as Unknown

Zen would keep quite a bit of distance. He would try to protect others and would not easily trust him.

Saeran under the influence of Mint Eye

He would be concerned about his situation, though he would not tolerate dangerous behavior.

Ray

: I'd probably be more patient with him. I would try to treat him with kindness and not make fun of his insecurities.

Saeran after his recovery

could develop a calmer relationship with him, based on respect, gradual trust, and healthy boundaries.

7. Could they become friends?
   My interpretation is yes, especially after the events of Another Story and the corresponding endings.

They wouldn't necessarily be inseparable friends, but they could develop a trusting relationship.

Zen would have to understand that:

• Saeran needs time.
• Doesn't always want to talk.
• Jokes aren't always appropriate.
• Their recovery is not linear.
• You don't have to force them to talk about their past.
  And Saeran might discover that behind the smug man is someone who is quite loyal and concerned about his friends.

In conclusion: Zen would probably be more sympathetic to Saeran than his joker personality would have you think. I wouldn't condone their harmful actions, but I wouldn't reduce it either

The revelation of Rika's cult, Mint Eye, would have been especially difficult for Zen for three reasons: he trusted Rika, he had a grateful relationship with V, and he was deeply concerned about Saeyoung and the other people involved.

However, one thing must be distinguished: Zen does not have as extensive individual research on Mint Eye as other characters, and his reactions depend on the route and the events that are discovered.

1. Her first reaction: disbelief and bewilderment
   Zen knew Rika as a kind and generous person.

She had recognized her talent when she was still trying to make her way as an actor and had contributed to her meeting V.Therefore

, discovering that she was related to an organization that manipulated its members would have provoked several reactions:

• Surprise at discovering that Rika was hiding such an important part of her life.
• Difficulty reconciling the image you had of yourself with what you were discovering.
• Distrust of the explanations they received.
• Concern for people who were inside Mint Eye.
  It wouldn't be simply discovering that an old acquaintance had secrets. It would also mean questioning the positive memories I had of her.

2. The discovery of the Mint Eye
   evidence This part is documented on the tenth day of the main story, during the nightly conversations.

Zen discovers that Rika had kept materials related to Mint Eye in her apartment.

Their reaction is quite intense. He wonders how it was possible that all this was related to Rika.

But there is an important detail: what hurts him the most is not only what he discovers about Rika, but realizing that V had hidden information from him.

In their conversations he expresses three feelings:

• Bewilderment at Rika's participation.
• Disappointment because V had lied.
• Confusion because he had still trusted V despite his suspicions.
  Zen even recon

In the nightly chat on the tenth day, Zen admits that he can't sleep.

She says that she has had bad dreams and that all the recent events are going around in her head.

Among the things that overwhelm him he mentions:

• Rika.
• V.
• Seven's brother.
• Mint Eye.
• The lies and secrets that have come to light.
  He even says that he does not believe he can concentrate on acting until he resolves his doubts about V.

This is important because acting is one of the central parts of his identity. That a personal crisis interferes with your work shows how much it is affecting you.

He does not try to pretend that everything is fine: he recognizes that he is overwhelmed.

Mystic Messenger
4. What did you do to cope with it?
Zen has no elaborate psychological strategy for processing such a revelation. His way of dealing with it is quite human.

A. Find company

Talk to MC during the night. You don't isolate yourself completely and express some of what you're feeling.

B. Tries to understand what happened

Doesn't immediately accept all explanations. He needs to make sense of the contradictions between what he knew about Rika and V and the evidence he has just discovered.

C. He cares about others

He is especially worried about Yoosung, because he knows how much he admired Rika.

He understands that for Yoosung the revelation can be even more painful because of the place she occupied in his life.

D. Recognizes your own limits

Admits that you can't focus on your profession while you have so many unresolved thoughts.

It is not a reaction of indifference or absolute denial. It's a person trying to process too much information at once.

Did he get angry with Rika or V?
There is an interesting difference here.

With Rika: he feels bewilderment and disappointment when he discovers that the woman he knew was related to something so harmful.

With V: his disappointment is especially explicit.

Zen had already suspected that V was hiding information, but decided to trust him. That's why discovering that his suspicions were well-founded affects him so much.

It's not just a one-off lie: he feels like he no longer knows which parts of V's story were true.
6. How did you react to Yoosung's suffering?
In the V route we can also observe its protective facet.

When Yoosung begins to suffer emotionally from the revelations about Rika and V, Zen worries a lot about him.

In particular:

• Try to prevent Yoosung from being consumed by his emotions.
• Is firm when they feel they are losing control.
• Offers you company.
• Is concerned about their diet and well-being.
• He even goes so far as to take away his phone to help him calm down in a tense situation.
  This shows that Zen was not focused exclusively on his own disappointment. He also tried to take care of his friends.

What happened next, when Rika was discovered?
There is one detail of the Secret Ending that deserves to be mentioned.

Zen had a kind of foreboding dream about Rika and her possible interrogation. Since she didn't really know her actions as the leader of Mint Eye, she suggested that she be sent to Alaska for treatment and recovery.

That is, even after everything that happened, Zen still retained a certain compassion for her.

He had no full knowledge of his crimes or everything he had done to Saeran.