I'm actually liking this more grounded thing the author is going for. This tournament was something that Al wanted to be part of and he did well for someone with little experience, and there was no hidden power or plot armor making him win either
And it's always the same, they approach the FMC, she doesn't know how to react to it or says she's not interested and then they just grab her arm and the MC shows up to save her from it.
I thought TL had explained last chapter that it was romantic love, but it seems that author decided to extend this confession stuff for the Christmas date.
He should've said he doesn't remember the name anymore and that's it, but he kept yapping. But her reaction is the true fumble, why get mad and just leave the guy like that? She's the one that still remembers and the one that seems to already like him.