To be fair, Senpai has told Morinaga that he cares for him and he's even considered him to be like family since they moved houses together after the fire
True but this wasn't to just Morinaga. This was said to other people who matter to Senpai. It's the first time he was open about how he felt about Morinaga to others and it's something that we've been waiting for, a long time.
Reread volume 8 especially the last chapter but I definitely recommend rereading the whole chapter if don’t remember. He clearly cares for him not just about others. Idk if I sounded mean but I just finished rereading that chapter and I’m very much content with how things are going. Of course, senpai hasn’t clearly said “I love you” but it’s just days of their lives. Idk when will get that but for now I’m happy.
The whole volume***
I think you are misunderstanding what I'm saying. Yes Senpai has made his feelings clear to Morinaga before but he's never flat out said to his own family that Morinaga is family. Senpai's family treats Morinaga like family but that was on their own choice because they like him. Having Senpai be the one to state out loud to them how important Morinaga is, is different than the previous ways he's treated Morinaga in front of his family and friends. That is progress.
FINALLY!!! He finally admitted he cares about him without being an ass about it. Asking his family to be Morinaga's family and to look out for him just melted my heart. It was worth the wait for that moment. Also the way he just goes with the flow so much now and only offers a token protest before giving in to Morinaga so sweetly.
It would be nice if mangago went back to letting us report specific things more easily. Someone keeps reuploading the old chapters plus they are out of order. It makes it hard to find the actual updates.