I don't see what's "needlessly manly" about that.
Most people saying, "Just kidding," are only taking back what they said because they're insecure.
What's to question about that sleeping posture? Looks comfortable enough. Well, the floor might be a bit hard.
That's a weird way to dream. Dreams tend to inexplicably make sense from within.
And typical previous childhood encounters.
I'm told that childhood friends never win
You've been lied to. Being a childhood friend is actually not an indicator for winning. It's just a common trait that is always tacked onto at least one character in a romcom. If that happens to be the FMC, she can win. If it's a secondary love interest, probably not. And considering there are on average more of the second category than the former, more lose than win.
Though from my recollection the type of childhood friend that's forgotten and is only remembered partway into the story tends to be more common for the FMC, since it's a "destined love" indicator.