You know what would be a good way to use this plot point?
-MC saying that is not the reason, but it's because he doesn't understand his feeling
-New girl says "then I would still have a chance"
-FMC is actually nearby and has been listening to this conversation (optional)
-Next day, new girl starts trying to get closer to MC
-FMC upon seeing this will question them
-New girl reveals that she is aiming for MC, putting ACTUAL PRESSURE on FMC for the first time ever
This, this would be a great way to continue moving forward, FMC, who has never been under real pressure to make a move, would now be forced to.
Now to those saying that the new guy is kind of doing the same thing, but the pressure is on MC, yes, he is doing that, but I feel that it doesn't have as much of an effect compare to this new route I came up with, and my reasoning is:
-From what we have been reading, it's safe to assume that this kind of things happen all the time with FMC, she is "The prince of the school" after all, it would make sense that a lot of people would be aiming for her and MC is probably somewhat familar with this, it's just that this would be the first time FMC displays any significant closeness to the other person because the author forced it so.
-Meanwhile, MC, he is just there, people just talk about how nice and reliable he is and that is pretty much it, no one actually trying aiming for him or anything, therefore, FMC has never experienced any competition, the only pressure she has faced came from herself about the fear that their relationship will not move on further, but there wasn't any risk, whether the relationship move on or not, he would still be there for her. But if we go this way, FMC will have to face off against the risk of actually losing MC, which would make a lot more impact.