
I don’t think the ML being really manipulative. I mean if the MC stop being indecisive, all of these wouldn’t be this complicated. The ML has made it clear that he would stop approaching the MC if he got rejected. Sure, the ML might try something else if the MC rejects him. But the MC can keep rejecting him if he really doesn’t like him. I don’t see the problem besides the MC kinda has feelings for the ML.

I think the MC deserves some leeway with the indecision he has because of the world they live in. It’s not just a simple yes I like you let’s date or no I don’t. I think he does like the ML but because to him it’s fact that he doesn’t have a name and the ML does and if chooses to go out with him then one day he’s going to be left like his friend was.
Yeah of course he can say no, but the ML made the situation complicated first by lying so now the MC is in a swirl of indecision cause he has both online and real world examples of a named partner leaving their non named one.

Yeah this is what’s faulty with him trying to get him to fall for him without knowing of the name because on one hand he wants it to happen cause he likes him and not out of obligation but the main character deserves to be aware of it as well i think his whole previous mentality has impacted these decisions massively

Yea, I get your point and I agree. The ML’s fault is that he can’t promise the MC to keep their relationship if his namer partner pops up, but I won’t say that the ML is a bad guy like what everyone else in the comments made him to be. Both the ML and the MC have faults and that’s what make this story interesting imo.
I finished this manga some years ago so I might forget or misremember some things.
The author never makes it clear about Maki’s sexuality but I think he’s either gay or bi. He fell in love with Suzuki but then Suzuki got together with Yukiko. And when Yukiko got together with Aoki, Maki seemed jealous which Yukiko provoked him about it (probably bc Yukiko loved Maki and she hated him for getting jealous of her). Also the scene when he had sex with his eyes covered is a hint that he might be a bottom (although I’m aware the top can be the submissive one but yea..). There’s also that one time he had an appointment with some guy (I assume a sex friend), but he canceled it after seeing Aoki cried. Wdyt?