Aside from the fact that I am a diehard Super Junior shipper OTL, Kyuhyun and Sungmin's relationship actually plays a critical role in the story. They highlight a lot of elements I wanted to put into the story that I couldn't without a couple.

        Firstly, for some odd reason that I personally can't understand, homouality has been seen as a sin that could send you to hell. Siwon's character fully believes this but is left confused by Sungmin and Kyuhyun's relationship. I wanted to bring in a gay couple to show that while they are both gay, like Siwon, they aren't on the bus for that reason. Siwon was on the bus for the reason that while he never lost his faith, he did believe he was going to hell because he was a monster. Because of those beliefs though, he used them as an excuse for his "sins."

        Secondly, I also really wanted to break the mold of a heartless, cold gangleader that many people think of with Sungmin's story. I did some research when it came to gangs and while it can be glamorized, the life is really horrific. I wanted to give Sungmin a motive that wasn't greed or pride for when he clawed his way up to becoming the leader. That doesn't exactly mean that though his motive wasn't completely selfish, it justified his actions as "right." Kyuhyun however did highlight that Sungmin was capable of love, even if it was in some ways destructive. I was hoping that I could bring in the theme that even the most unlikely, scarred, and stereotyped people could be capable of loving someone and being selfless.

        In regards to Kyuhyun's character, I wanted to show some development by having him finally be able to see their situation without his addiction clouding his judgement. Although they're all technically "dead," I wanted to show that growth was possible afterwards. Kyuhyun finally sees the impact of his actions and how much he had hurt others and brings them to light when he comforts Sungmin. Without his addiction, Kyuhyun is also finally able to completely love Sungmin in a way he wasn't able to on earth.

        Finally, with both of them together, they highlight that they're both capable of love, and worth being loved. Both are fully aware of the things the other has done, but they love each other regardless. They're love is also the biggest redeeming quality they have. In the bus especially, it brings out their protective feelings and their ability to forgive. The love they have for one another is selfless and innocent, a contrast to the lives they've led, but possible and real nonetheless.

        I'm a hopeless romantic, I know. T.T But, because of all of this, it raises lots of questions. Does the fact that Kyuhyun is still growing and repenting for what he's done during his life make him worthy of being saved? Or does his past still overshadow his new views and attitude? Is being able to love someone count for something even though it was destructive? Mwhahaha!