Happy of the End is a dark romance that deals with the dark side of Kabukicho. Haoran and Chihiro's relationship can be seen as toxic, but it's actually a very beautiful romance. Haoran, who's never been allowed to show his true self or show his pain, learns to open up and be himself around Chihiro. Yes the relationship starts off toxic, but it does turn into true love by the end.

•❅✧❅✦ Story ✦❅✧❅•

Both Haoran and Chihiro have turbulent backstories, with Haoran having the most traumatic. However, while they started off as toxic to each other, they both end up healing each other and making each other better people by the end of the series.

Unfortunately, physical and sexual abuse are realities in this day and age, and with this drama wanting to portray the realities of someone living in Kabukichou, this drama does a great job in portraying the real day-to-day lives of those in Kabukichou and those who are dealt the shitty hand in life. This drama doesn’t pretend that once you manage to escape it, it’s all sunshine and rainbows. Haoran is constantly haunted by his past, physically and mentally. Even Chihiro can’t escape being lonely and looking for an escape from the real world. They find solace in each other, but nothing magically goes away, they are still stuck, trying to escape their reality.

Happy of the End is a very dark drama. It deals with child abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, prostitution, animal abuse, and homophobia; and none of the themes are sugar coated or watered down. Yes, there is romance, but it’s not the fairy tale dream we’d all like. It’s a very dark and toxic romance.

•❅✧❅✦ Manga vs Film ✦❅✧❅•

The manga and drama follow the same storyline, however, the manga does expand on their relationship a little more. The manga also goes into more details about Haoran’s thoughts on Chihiro. For example, while Chihiro is in the hospital, he and Kaji talk about how Haoran was holding up and he was not doing well. Similarly, after Haoran is released from jail, more time is spent on him fighting his inner turmoil about wanting to see Chihiro when he knows he shouldn’t.

There are a few changes in the drama. One is after Haoran and Chihiro’s first fight as a couple. In the drama, Haoran chases after him, but in the manga after Chihiro leaves, slamming the door in Haoran’s face, Haoran stays frozen by the door until Chihiro returns a few hours later. Another is the reveal of Haoran’s scars. In the drama, he reveals his scars after meeting Maya and explaining about his past. In the manga, he reveals his scars to Chihiro just because Chihiro wanted to have sex with him shirtless.

The manga is good, but I like the drama better. While I think Haoran’s actor should have been more androgynous and beautiful like in the manga, his looks doesn’t impact the series because the drama focused and made changes to the storyline that improved the story. For example, more time is spent on Haoran’s past. His abuse is shown in more detail, so we can understand his trauma. Also, the drama made the reveal of Haoran’s scars more significant. The drama made it seem like Haoran was ashamed or scared of his scars. He didn’t want to reveal it to Chihiro until he had to. These changes really made Haoran more human and less robotic.

If there is one thing I would like added to the drama, it’s the ending showing Haoran fighting against wanting to see Chihiro, and the epilogue of them actually becoming a normal couple after they reunite.

•❅✧❅✦ Acting ✦❅✧❅•

The acting was amazing for two actors who are will getting their foot in the industry. Both actors have very good chemistry and everything feels natural. All the actors really had me glued to the screen, especially Haoran's actor. I would love to see him in more dramas after this.

•❅✧❅✦ Overall ✦❅✧❅•

Happy of the End is a very good dark romance drama. If you’re not a fan of dark romance, I wouldn’t recommend it, but if you are, you will love it. The relationship between Haoran and Chihiro is that of mutual understanding and respect. It may seem toxic at times, but it’s actually quite the opposite if you start looking and reading into each character.
Overall, I highly recommend this drama. There is so many layers to this story that you will need to watch it more than once to completely understand it. And you will love it more each time you watch it. Best drama of the year!