You actually think the bottom would believe that he likes him back? No, he has to show it for him to believe it. Even if he wants to believe it, I don't think he could yet. The bottom is still coming to terms with his own feelings first. And the top is trying to protect him w the job thing and pointing out he's an awful boss.
He’s not trying to push him away. ML’s affection *is* pretty clear in their dynamics (cuz he’s very fucked up in the communication department). But he wouldn’t be feeding him and enjoying the domestic dynamics if he didn’t have affection for him. Given ML’s orientation that’s how he shows affection. But since MC was very vanilla/ is new to this he should have spelled it out for him.
Why is the ml acting like this? He clearly likes mc so I don’t understand, he’s trying to push him away but also being affectionate with him. Why can’t he clear the misunderstanding about him getting marrried and be open about his feelings?