Another Direction
 | This chapter is exclusively available to members of Bittersweet Club International. |
| Another Direction | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Published | April 24, 2023 |
| Page count | 17 |
| Major characters | Mike, James |
| Chapter navigation | |
| ← Another Rescue | Another Date → |
| Read in the BCI Members’ Library | |
Another Direction is a non-canon Bittersweet Club International-exclusive comic that replays the end of Date Night with one difference: this time, when James says he thought he could change Mike’s mind, he turns out to be right.
Partial synopsis
The comic opens by replaying Mike’s refusal from Date Night. Blushing behind his hand, Mike tells James, “I’m sorry. I have a girlfriend.”[1][2] James says he knew Mike was dating Sandy but thought he could change his mind. He then asks whether Sandy was the reason Mike had been at his lowest.[2]
Rather than ending the conversation, Mike says that no matter how much Sandy promises to change or how sorry she feels, it will never be enough. “I’m never going to forgive her.”[3] He concludes that the sooner he accepts this, the sooner they can both be happy.[3]
James begins to apologize for coming between Mike and his girlfriend, then retracts the apology. “Well, actually I did. I totally meant to get in the way.” He asks what the point is of dating someone if the relationship is miserable.[4] Mike, for once, doesn’t have a comeback ready. In fact, he doesn’t really look like he’s reaching for one...
Character dynamics
- Mike and Sandy: After Eternal Flame, Mike stays with Sandy. Here, he rejects her promises to change and says her remorse will never be enough. He says he will never forgive her and believes accepting this will make both of them happier.[3]
- Mike and James: Mike and James end the canon scene with a handshake. James offers to be there “if you change your mind or if things go south.”[5] Instead, Mike continues after his initial refusal and says he will never forgive Sandy.[3] James then bluntly asks why Mike would remain in a relationship that makes him unhappy.[4]
Trivia & observations
- In Line in the Sand, James learns about Mike’s history with Lucy and responds, “Guess I dodged a bullet, huh?”[6]
Related chapters
- Date Night: The parent chapter. In canon, Mike declines James’s romantic offer, and the two shake hands on remaining friends.
- Another Date: The companion what-if was announced alongside this one with the pitch “Mames or Jaulo? You decide!” It follows the other branch of the evening, in which Paulo wins the race and goes on a date with James.