okay. um. i might have a different perspective here. but i guess i kind of get that many of us gravitate toward him being stylized in a softer direction, which to some may translate to something more feminine-leaning. but he has also always embodied a kind of subversion of traditional masculinity, no? at least, it has come off as such to me.

i don’t know exactly what you meant here, but i personally don’t see him being presented in a more masculine way as “downplaying” his femininity. we already know that there are instances in which he has said that he wants to be called cool and handsome equally as he wants to be called cute, too, and while that obviously doesn’t negate the more feminine aspects of him, i also find that it’s not fair if we approach his masculinity should be treated like something unfortunate or concerning whenever it becomes more visible.

i guess i just don’t really see why a more masculine presence is a cause of worry here? he cut his hair short (which is something he himself admittedly wanted to do), and this debut’s visual direction (especially the makeup) complements his sharp features really well and brings out a new, refreshing side of him we haven’t seen in a while :]