Just the simple fact that Souichi said it didn't matter if people found out about them is ...

I know right. I was surprised when he said that

I WAS ABOUT TO MAKE A COMMENT ABOUT IT! Everyone keeps saying how they don't progress and how the story is very repetitive, but when you can notice those subtle yet powerful changes in senpai... you can see just how much he cares for and loves morinaga in his own way.

I know, right?? Granted, the manga has been running for a long time, so it seems like there's not much development when Souichi gets angry at Morinaga, but when everything is over and everyone's calm and happy, the character development really shows. Plus, we all have to remember that although it's been long for us, it's been not even an entire year for them, so the development they're showing is amazing!

I went ahead and re-read the whole thing, so I have pretty fresh every single change in their relationship. Like you said, since it's been so long for us it makes sense that some people don't see the changes at all but indeed it's been about a year for them so the pacing is quite alright!!! I¡m not saying everyone should re-read but it'd give them a much pleasant experience I believe :)