Foolish MC. Those words are far from being a confession and a lot more like asking you to be her second plan. I mean, if this was real life. Since it isn't, It is exactly as he thinks.
That's what happens when you put yourself on layaway. Since he gave her certainty she now knows that there's no reason committing to anything in the near term. Since this is a CHF Romance manga it's not going to happen (except maybe as bait) but in a real life she can delay and see if anyone better comes along.WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU MEAN THEY STARTED DATING ONE YEAR AFTER THIS????????