I'd personally distinguish like and defend. I genuinely don't see any reason to defend him. He's done horrible stuff and the events of season 2 end and his feelings of guilt and love don't make him a green flag (or even yellow) so I think he shall be away from MC, with no ties whatsoever. Now, why would there be people liking him? I can't be exhaustive, but I'd say:
- physical attractiveness indeed (face, body, hair);
- other attractive factors (physical strength, status, vibe) since some people like that;
- him being silly at times probably plays a very big role;
- some people being puzzled he's _mostly_ not physically violent with MC (let's still remember chap1 and the car at least) since some other stories could generate very biased standards for red flags;
- him vaguely trying to get along with the kid or being neutral with him;
- him feeling displeased when MC was taking for granted that during sex MC'd feel no pleasure and have to only follow his (Teajoo's) desires which implies he wants MC to enjoy it (again, biased standards);
- his latest regrets and feelings of guilt => I guess both empathy with that and curiosity
- lastly, maybe a conscious or unconscious fear that if the ML isn't defended then he'll be out of the story (like the sense that if he's irredeemable then there won't be any interesting emotion struggle or journey to see? Which I don't think, even if he can and even does improve later on that still doesn't mean he shall be with MC in my opinion)
All in all, I hope readers who appreciate a character don't rationalise that by justifying their actions. I think it's okay to enjoy a character even if they do bad stuff, while being lucid with the bad stuff.
I can’t understand how ppl read this shit and still like/defend the blonde haired dude. Cause didn’t he “grape” the other guy multiple times? Someone explain why they like/defend him please…