Wow. That's actually kinda rare. A self-aware chuuni. He fully realises that he's copying a novel character to survive the social interactions in school.
Kinda sad that he had to do that, but it's actually quite a smart move for him.
She's prolly always observing his expressions so imagine if she knew all along and just into chuuni, helps that he's not bad looking too , not that looks should matter but I can imagine some teen girls being off put but a chubby otaku stereotype
Tho I'm sure author could design a cute squishy endearing boy like the childhood friends past look
Oof poor girl I'm sure it'll work out tho as opposed to a similar irl situation where it festers/fizzle out