Yeah, I won't lie, I really can't help but think "is this even genderswap?"
But on the other hand, I do kinda like the idea of suggesting it's fine for guys to act clingy like that with each other? Or just be as affectionate with each other as culturally we've allowed girls to be? But I don't want to get lost down that rabbit hole. I'll concede that it's uncommon.
I do get the impression though that this story could've found a different fantasy contrivance to have a girl who is mostly ignorant of girl things. Would be super neat, though, if it turns out they're closet trans or something and the illness couldn't have come to a better person. I might be giving it too much credit, but I like being positive and happy about stuff I read.
Thanks to TSF Central for the translation!