Dunno why say this couple has no chemistry.
First, they are not openly gay. They definitely have awful crushes on their others but kept that platonic. It takes a lot of time and struggle to see yourself as gay if you didn't before. The gay thoughts are suppressed is a split second before even registering. The registering of the gay thoughts is the first step to understand yourself. Then accept yourself. And the act on it. They want to be with a person, this is important.
Second, they do have crushes on the other people. It takes time to let go, but for now another crush is a huge block. It takes time and struggle and resolve to let go first. This might happen any time now.
What I see.
There is a desire to be together. There is anxiety when apart.
There is a desire to care. And anger if the care is not accepted.
There is regret if the other is hurt even just a tiny bit.
There is jealousy and guarding of the partner.
There is an admiration. Tiny, hidden, suppressed and subtle, but admiration.
This is already more that a high school crush.
I would call it a platonic love. Special one but love.
What is missing is desire to touch.
This chapter is a huge progress in this area. The head touch is very intimate and even more so in 🗾
I really expect a lingering touch in next chapter about them.