Dude legit is a sociopath though. He doesn't process/understand emotion regularly. and hasn't gone to therapy. so whenever he seems like an emotionless robot manipulating ppl, that's because he is
im criticizing the mc' characterization not the ml. ik the ml has a personality disorder and they flatout reveal his character as such im talking abt how dumb and annoying it is to have some boring ass uke archetype be the mc w that kind of character. Normally when the ml acts like this they pull some shitty back story out their ass the ml doesnt have some rando backstory to excuse his actions the mc is just a loser. Like if my bestie killed themselves and i spent years tracking a mf down to ruin his life i wouldnt be a bitchass abt it like the mc. Thats why i said the concept was ruined its just a r4pefest
Oh it definitely is a r*pefest in the novel, but i understand the mc's behaviour. He was very sheltered growing up, took time coming to terms with his sexuality, had a best friend with bpd that killed herself and even though he blames the ml, he knows it's not really his fault. But he also knows the ml is a terrible person. So he goes on this misguided scheme even while he's barely come to terms with his feelings.
He's the type of dude to fall for mlm schemes or get roped into a cult. He's never developed any protective responses, because he's never had to. Ppl like this actually exist.
tbh this could be intresting if the mc wasnt such a fucking loser like hes so boring theyre trying to make the uke role work w the psycho love intrest so hard , bc ml isnt the usual my mom or dad didnt love me as a kid thats why im a dick character so he doesnt work w this uke sterotype. ruined idea bc of weirdo uke sterotype fetish