Define The Relationship: A Captivating Journey of Love and Identity
Status: Main story completed (69 episodes) with additional side stories in progress.
Genre: Boys’ Love (BL), Omegaverse, Alpha x Alpha, Mature/Explicit
Content Warnings: Sexism, power dynamics, BDSM elements, social class conflict, strained familial relationships, arranged marriage (not between the main couple), manipulation, perceived cheating, terrorism, child neglect, male pregnancy references, and more (see full warning below).
Introduction
Define the Relationship (DTR) is a Boys’ Love manhwa set in the Omegaverse, a fictional universe where dynamics between Alphas, Betas, and Omegas shape societal roles and personal relationships. Written by Flona and illustrated by Chada, this story distinguishes itself with breathtaking art, complex characters, and an intense romance between two Alpha men.
The series has officially concluded its main storyline with 69 episodes, but continues to expand its universe through side stories that delve deeper into the characters’ relationships and unresolved plotlines.
At its core, Define the Relationship explores love, duty, and identity in a world that tries to confine people to predefined roles.
Spoiler Warning
The following review contains detailed story discussions, including major plot points from all three seasons. Proceed if you’re okay with spoilers, or skip to the Final Thoughts for a spoiler-free impression.
Synopsis
Karlyle Frost, the first son of a noble family, has been raised to believe that his purpose in life is to secure the Frost lineage. Unlike his younger brother Kyle, Karlyle is a subpar Alpha, yet due to Kyle’s traumatic past, Karlyle is forced to assume the position of heir. His life becomes a suffocating cycle: arranged relationships with contracted Omegas, loveless sex purely for reproduction, and endless pressure to meet expectations.
When Karlyle’s inability to climax reaches his family’s attention, he’s diagnosed with “sexual dysfunction” caused by psychological strain. The family doctor suggests an unorthodox solution: find a partner who feels like an equal, another Alpha.
Enter Ash Jones, a confident and romantic Alpha who once shared a fleeting New Year’s kiss with Karlyle in Times Square. They agree to a contractual relationship with no “unnecessary feelings”, but emotions rarely follow contracts.
Detailed Review
Season 1 (Episodes 1–23): It All Began with a Kiss
The first season sets the foundation for Karlyle and Ash’s dynamic. Karlyle’s stoicism contrasts sharply with Ash’s warmth, resulting in awkward yet magnetic chemistry. Their encounters are initially transactional, eight meetings, one per weekend, but gradually evolve into intimate explorations of vulnerability.
Through Karlyle’s perspective, we witness his self-doubt and deep-rooted insecurities, shaped by a lifetime of being treated as a tool for his family’s ambitions. Ash, on the other hand, thrives in his freedom, exuding charm but hiding the complexities of his own.
The art excels here: expressive eyes reveal conflicting emotions, while chibi panels provide clever comedic relief amidst the heavy themes.
Criticism: Certain events from the source novel are omitted, leaving gaps in the backstory (e.g., Ash’s prior connection with Nicholas from Egg’s Benedict). These omissions occasionally create confusion but don’t derail the emotional core of the story.
Season 2 (Episodes 24–58): Heartbreak and Revelation
Season 2 is an emotional rollercoaster, beginning with Karlyle’s attempt to cope with his growing feelings for Ash. His effort to express gratitude through a rare painting becomes a turning point. Overhearing Ash downplay their relationship shatters Karlyle’s hope, leading to one of the series’ most painful breakups.
The narrative then shifts to Ash’s perspective, enriching the story with his backstory and true feelings. Watching him realize Karlyle’s significance and receiving the painting Karlyle intended as a gift adds depth to his character and sets the stage for redemption.
This season captures the duality of love: the warmth of connection versus the devastation of misunderstanding. Karlyle’s metaphor of “returning to winter after feeling the sun” is one of the series’ most poetic moments.
Season 3 (Episodes 59–69): Defining the Relationship
The final season delivers catharsis. Their reunion at Karlyle’s engagement party is bittersweet, with Karlyle attempting to push Ash away out of duty, only to realize that love cannot be buried under obligation.
Karlyle’s mother calling off the engagement is a turning point, symbolizing liberation from generational expectations. The subsequent scenes at Sir Gordon’s manor strike a balance between levity and longing, culminating in a confession that feels both raw and earned.
The New Year’s Eve finale, where Ash remembers their first kiss and calls Karlyle “my lovely Lyle”, is emotionally devastating in the best way, a full-circle moment that solidifies their bond.
Art and Presentation
Chada’s artwork is visually stunning: floral backdrops symbolize blooming love. Broad-shouldered Alphas bring a satisfying physicality to the characters. Smut scenes are both explicit and emotionally resonant, with Karlyle’s sweetness contrasting with Ash’s intensity.
The only drawback is occasional inconsistency in body proportions, though this is minor compared to the overall impact.
Themes and Characterization
Identity and Duty: Karlyle’s arc explores what it means to reclaim personal agency in a world of rigid roles. Love vs. Obligation: Their relationship challenges societal norms while illustrating that vulnerability is strength. Mental Health: Anxiety, self-deprecation, and trauma are portrayed with nuance, grounding the Omegaverse fantasy in emotional realism.
Score:
- Art: 4.5/5
- Characters: 4.5/5
- Plot: 4/5 (slight issues with omitted backstory)
- Chibi Factor: 5/5
Overall: 4.5/5 – A must-read for Omegaverse fans.
With the main story complete and side stories expanding the universe, Define the Relationship feels both satisfying and full of promise. Whether you’re here for the smut, the romance, or the psychological depth, this manhwa delivers a blend of all three and lingers long after you’ve turned the last page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is Define the Relationship toxic and angsty?
Not exactly. While it does explore heavy themes like familial pressure, emotional repression, and misunderstandings between the leads, the relationship between Karlyle and Ash is ultimately built on mutual growth and trust. The story leans more toward emotional angst with a hopeful resolution, rather than being outright toxic.
2. Is there a prequel to Define the Relationship that focuses on Karlyle’s younger brother?
Yes. There’s a prequel novel called Egg’s Benedict, which centers on Kyle (Karlyle’s younger brother) and his partner Nicholas. Some events referenced in Define the Relationship make more sense if you’re familiar with the prequel, but it hasn’t been officially translated into English.
3. Does Define the Relationship have side stories?
Yes. The main story is complete, but there are several side stories (epilogues and extra episodes) that expand on Ash and Karlyle’s relationship and explore supporting characters. Some of these are already available, while others are still being released.
4. Is Define the Relationship an Omegaverse story?
Absolutely. It takes place in a classic ABO (Alpha/Beta/Omega) setting but introduces a twist by featuring an Alpha x Alpha couple, adding freshness to the usual Omegaverse dynamics.
5. Are there any mature or NSFW scenes?
Yes. The series contains explicit sexual content and is rated Mature (18+). Beyond the smut, these scenes are also narratively significant, often reflecting the evolving intimacy and emotional depth between Karlyle and Ash.