Romance stories that didn't end the way you think it would or have no happy ending?

catty152 2016-09-09 15:42:43 UTC #1

Was there ever a Romance story you read that didn't go it the usual direction, didn't end the way you expected it to, or had a unhappy ending?

keii4ii 2016-09-09 17:03:03 UTC #2

Candy Candy - had SUCH a strong fandom backlash that in one version (the Italian version according to Wikipedia), they actually changed the ending to have the two main characters end up together. Which did not happen in the original version.

It wasn't a pure downer ending, though. It was bittersweet, just with more bitter than sweet.

Song of Saya - a horror-romance visual novel with multiple paths. All of the endings are depressing. Though not necessarily unexpected, this is an example of a story that does not need to take you by surprise.

Are we also counting stories that aren't classified as romance, but the main character's romantic relationship gets a sad ending? (e.g. Cowboy Bebop)

joannekwan 2016-09-09 17:56:09 UTC #3

Haha, my husband has read a bunch of shojo, josei, and yaoi where the couples you'd expect to end up together don't. He usually rages.

And actually a while ago I pitched to him one of my first graphic novel concepts, which was a romance that ended with one party dying and the two never really attained those feelings of mutual romantic love. Needless to say he didn't like it. LOL

But as for me, the one that immediately comes to mind is …

Stranger Things

SPOILERS AHEAD

I was surprised Nancy didn't end up with Jonathan, as that would have been the obvious way to go. I actually kind of like the show sticking to its guns and she stays with her original boyfriend, even though he's kind of an ass. Well, we'll see if it lasts in season 2 I guess.

Pandastrophic 2016-09-09 18:03:47 UTC #4

Yeah i can remember one in particular, it wasnt a sad ending but it was an unexpected ending. I wont say the name of the manga but it was basically a love triangle and the main girl ended up with the 'other guy' (who i liked) unfortunately there was no build up to it since the other guy was hardly in the manga at all so everything felt forced. It didnt go the expected and usual direction which is good in a way but it just didnt make sense at all.

igneriss 2016-09-09 19:37:34 UTC #5

OH YES, I was really surprised that she stayed with him! But it was a really nice surprise, to be honest.

catty152 2016-09-10 06:43:25 UTC #6

I've actually finished watching that. Absolutely love the series and waiting for season 2. Her original boyfriend, though he seemed like he would go in the general popular-boy-is-mean-&-a-complete- douchebag direction, he didn't, which was nice. The only time he acted like an 'ass' was when he broke that guy's camera, but he had a good reason, that guy was taking picks of that girl like a stalker creep.