u/4ngelic777

A few months ago I picked up a webtoon called "Tears on a Withered Flower" and it scratched an itch I didn't know I had - now I'm looking for books with similar vibes (I've seen a similar post, but it highlighted a different aspect of the story, so I wanted to make my own request). Basically, a very focused, soft and caring MMC who wants to take care of an emotionally drained FMC, but she's resisting his attention because she's too settled into her current life (even despite the fact that she's struggling). I really like the push and pull of dynamics like that. I'm not looking for MFCs who are mean, hyper independent or successful/on top like in "Babygirl" - rather regular, everyday women who made certain choices and are now quietly trying to put on a brave face and bear it. I'm also not looking for aggressive, "alpha" and cocky dominant MMC, but someone calm, patient and attentive, willing to take things slow and work for the MFC. Someone intelligent enough to know when to insert himself into cerain situations, and when to give the woman some space, so she ends up learning how to accept being cared for.

Let me give you a quick rundown of the webtoon's plotline: the MFC is in her 30s and is living a settled, although rather draining life. She married her high-school sweetheart who turned out to be a ball and a chain for her in his 30s - he's cold and emotionally unavailable. She's working a few different jobs in order to pay off his debts. They are living in a very humble apartment - she never buys anything for herself, is always dressed up in a bland way, doesn't do any make-up and is constantly tired...and yet, she keeps on going and doesn't complain, because she still remembers how good things were in the beginning. She also still loves her partner and simply believes that's just the way life is. She's commited to the choices that led her to this point and accepts her circumstances, even though she knows she's like the titular withered flower.

...and then bam, the MFC starts regularly visiting the flowershop she works at. He's handsome, tall and kind of strange - he's also clearly interested in her, despite the fact that she's older than him. Slowly, he starts entering her life more and more in a very methodical, planned way. He's very focused on the MFC and has all the resources to take care of her, but she's stubbornly trying to keep him at bay, despite being into him as well. She does so because she's confused by his attention - she considers herself too boring for him, plus she's commited to the life she created for herself. Adding the age factor into the mix, she's also trying to be the responsible one, even though he's clearly much more capable than her...meanwhile, he's definitely not backing down and is commited to the goal, although trying to approach it in a clever way, never aggressive or pushy. With time, she opens up and becomes a bit more accepting and brave too (don't get the wrong impression though - it doesn't happen overnight, but requires some calculated effort from the MMC instead hehe)...👀 Overall, I found the dynamics absolutely delicious lol - I'm attaching a couple of screenshots so you can better understand the vibes I'm looking for 👀

Can you recommend something with a similar relationship, please? Obviously, I'm looking for books, but if you also know of other media with similar themes (visual novels, dramas, other webtoons), please let me know as well. Thank you! ✨️ I don't have a lot of nopes when it comes to fiction, but I don't like degradation, daddy kink and age gaps when one character could be the other one's parent. I'm a sucker for praise though and I will always cherish good writing and realistic, multi-dimensional characters over spice (even though I love it too!).

(Also, just fyi - I didn't read the whole webtoon yet, I kind of had to drop it last year because I was going through some similar things and I had to take a break 🥲 So please don't judge if the plotline went completely south from that point ahah 😅)