
I read the novel and I wouldn't call him a second ML because Esther never gave him an opportunity. He does lose a lot of weight and his handsomeness is show more, he's respectful of Esther, and adores his family. However, Esther is just too busy and doesn't realize his efforts because of her past trauma.

I don't know what the comment is, but I assume it's about his birthday event. After losing weight, he asks Esther to be friends and she's like alright. He's ecstatic while she's calm. He gets his heart broken when he see her and ML together later in the the novel.
To be honest, I like his growth as a character more than ML. He was respectful of Esther and ML's family and power struggle was a mess ... I wouldn't think Esther would want to be part of that life.
He may be a rude lil bastard but atleast he cares for his baby sister and listens to his mom