He's a kid and he sucks at communication. Were you skilled at deescalating and arguing logically with ignorant people who talk shit because they think their opinion is worth shit when you were a younger teenager?
I'm all fer him breaking some of that bully's teeth so his smile is fucked and people mock him. Pretty sure the guy had a crush on her and just focused on bullying instead of admitting his feelings.
Ah, yes. The awkwardness before realizing feelings and just broaching the subject. I sincerely hope that the author doesn't edge us about this for 50+ chapters.