Maybe because his "friend" is a bully, tryna manipulate his way into a relationship with someone who never loved him
He doesn't know his friend likes him since ml didn't tell him !
even when hwibum finds out and rejects hyuk it's completely normal to also distance himself from him, why stick near someone who likes you while you don't like them? They surely won't lose feelings that way, and it's almost like you'd be implying they have a chance if you keep them near you
Bc he's a bully? He even told him that he called him a kid, why would I stay friends with someone who bullies my s/o?? I would at least talk it out with them or distance myself
Okay I mean he can reject his friend's feelings but why distance himself...oh nah bro.