If we consider Nanjo's reaction as a symbol in a fictional story (as a metaphor, a literary symbol, etc.), rather than actual actions:
In the past, Mok-Yeon committed many acts against Nanjo that could be defined as emotional and physical abuse. Nanjo rarely responded in kind (maybe because of S or because of his own patience).
And this outburst of anger, when he beat Mok-Yeon, seems symbolic: Nanjo finally standing up for himself and responding in kind, "an eye for an eye...", violence for violence, force for force. This evens the score between them. Mok-Yeon forced Nanjo to start this relationship - Nanjo forced Mok-Yeon to end this relationship. And Nanjo showed that he is no weaker and can stand up to Mok-Yeon on equal terms, thereby putting them both on equal footing.
But at the same time, this completely and irrevocably closes and ends the relationship between Mok-Yeon and Nanjo. A return to THIS relationship (exactly as it was before) is impossible now. Now it's either no relationship at all, or a relationship built entirely differently and on a different foundation, a clean new start.
To clarify:
I'm speaking of this specifically as a literary device in a fictional story. And I believe that hitting people is wrong (no matter how the other person behaves, no matter how much anger rages within). In my opinion, it's only acceptable for self-defense.
And I'm very upset that Nanjo beat Mok-Yeon, although I understand his emotions, but still violence is not an option.
ex-bato reader
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my favorite bl: Dawn of the Dragon (there's a real dragon in
