Right? If he were to be like "my name is on you here so we have to be together" then that would be manipulative but instead he's letting MC come to like him on his own terms in his own way by just being there for and with him.
Its the way the ml is subtle but direct with his approach and choosing to lie about finding his name on the mc's ass cleft. He's constantly subtly guilt tripping the mc as well into giving into him.
Exactly
I agree to a certain point but also it doesn't sit well with me that the ml manipulated mc to the point he had to strip and then he straight up lied about finding the name. When the mc finds out about the lie (and how the ml played mind games with him) he's the one who will get hurt the most
this just means he's a good manipulator
I dont get what you guys are talking about with ml being manipulative?? Like they just had a serious talk with almost clear communication and hes giving mc time to think. I cant imagine a better outcome.