For the manipulative part:
Lost in the cloud
For game + kinda manipulative part:
https://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/raising_a_newbie_to_grind_them/
Ml who fell first: Love Shuttle, Turning (I mean kinda? He courts him first), hold me tight, Rejoice in my enemies (let me know if you like them and want more!!)
It depends on the person, I only found the recent updates bit stressful while the rest was just super intriguing to me. If you like psychological BL it’s a must, but do expect that character aren’t black and white. For me once I start to read it I had to binge it cus it was sooo good, and I had similar worries like you cus I heard ML is red flag.
For rejoice in your enemies, it’s pretty short and cute one. Bit cliche maybe but I love it
Yall.. Please recommend me any story with ml like heejee, or ml who fell first..