Side Characters Deserve Love Too
Dandi • moRockbull • SODAPIE (Art) • 2021–2024 • English TL from Korean
Synopsis (No Spoilers)
Geumja “Joe” Kim is the world’s only—okay, biggest—fan of side character Kyle du Vilteon from the fantasy novel King Maker. While rereading, she dies and wakes up in Kyle’s bedroom inside the story. One catch: Kyle can hear her thoughts… but only when she thinks his name. Cue chaos, comedy, and a mission—Joe vows to save the doomed side character she adores and maybe become his main love while she’s at it.
Why This Couple Works
Their chemistry is effortless: banter that clicks, vulnerability that feels earned, and development that leans on each other without turning them into “perfect” people. Joe’s unabashed adoration softens into genuine support, while Kyle’s insecurity melts into trust—especially trust in their relationship—without erasing his expressive, occasionally jealous core. It’s refreshingly human.
He’s openly emotional: when he’s sad, he cries; when he’s mad, you’ll know it; jealous—oh, you’ll definitely know it—and it’s delightful.
“But Isn’t Joe Cringe?” — The Discourse
This title embraces its comedy tag. Joe’s S1 thirst is loud on purpose—and the narrative lets her cringe at her own past behavior later. Meanwhile, Kyle’s rough edges show through via insecurity and jealousy; both arcs improve without becoming saints. It’s meta-aware, playful, and not pretending to be grim prestige drama. That’s the point.
Rivals, Friends, & Almosts
Deloa & Issac
Not white-lotus, not friends—complicated. The story actually calls out Issac’s enabling rather than hand-waving it, and Joe’s “what could have been” with Deloa lands with a bittersweet thud.
Benji & Isabella (Secondary)
Benji gets a wholesome arc: he develops a crush on Joe, realizes it’s not happening, and—shocking—moves on without imploding or betraying anyone. He values friendship, celebrates others’ happiness, and still finds his own. Protect this man.
One Scene That Nearly Lost Me
A pivotal S2 arrow-shot fake-out around the emperor lands emotionally and a bit awkwardly in presentation—clipped pacing that briefly pulled me out. It’s a wobble, not a deal-breaker.
Even with the stumble, the finish is satisfying—growth without sanding off every flaw.
Quick Take
Vibe
Rom-com isekai with expressive ML, unashamed fangirl FL, and genuine growth.
Best For
Readers who like character-driven romance, found-family threads, and meta-humor.
Avoid If
You want stone-faced MLs or super-serious palace intrigue with zero antics.
Where to Read
🎲 What is Roulette Review?
Reading three volumes of manga, manhwa, and manhua all at once 📚💨
Watching a J-drama or K-drama at 2x speed because I have to know if they kiss 😭
Switching between my Switch, phone, and Steam library because I can’t pick one game 🎮
Balancing a controller, my phone, a matcha latte, and five tabs of otome game guides… all while pretending I have it together ✨
Roulette Reviews are chaotic, emotional, and always from the heart ❤️
Stay tuned for more roulette reviews—anything can pop up next!
🌸 Read More Manhwa Reviews 🌸
💖 Thanks for reading! 💖
If you enjoyed this review, don’t forget to check out more otome game content on the site!
🌸 View All Otome Reviews 🌸
Follow for more otome, manhwa, manga, anime, and gaming updates ✨
