It's been a while since I've read the novel, but I'll try
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SPOILERS
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Hirosue has the personality of a rigid old man, which he probably developed by being raised in the countryside. Once he finds out the true about the uke, there's a lot drama, not just because he has a hard time coping that the uke is a guy, but also because of their different status at work, and he hurts the uke a lot. I think this mess lasts for a year or 2 until Hirosue gets his shit together by going back to his hometown for a few months. Then they get back together for real, but the uke is initially very afraid of being hurt again. This is when Hirosue starts to act really caring towards him and to truly dedicate himself to make their relationship work despite the long distance. They eventually get better at communicating their feelings and move in together. The second novel is where most of the drama happen, while the third novel features their relationship iirc.
The beginning is so sweet. Too bad I read the novel and now the ml is nothing like the first impression.