God, it's so good, like it's so well written. how he probably exposes his real feelings in chapter one but just just writes them off as a lie and then how he kinda compulsively lies constantly in small ways not even letting his mask slip from his brother. He's really just built up a wall around him. and then ofc that amazing chapter 4 where he's just as confused around his feelings that Ikai is and finally allows himself to be honest, showing his weakness for the first time. It's so good, even trying to word him saying he loves him in a more casual way instead of the direct yes he actually gives and the “unintentionally whispered”, such a good detail, he no longer can contain himself and control what he's saying, the mask is off and he has to be honest… in the name… of… love.
Honma thinks hes manipulating Ikai, but who he really is manipulating is himself to keep himself from having to deal with his feelings and be vulnerable to get hurt.