@Garn
> The MC "has not really realized" their feelings.
At this point, it doesn't matter if the MC is aware of their feelings or not
they're just not in his radar
imagine realizing someone has a crush on you but he/she isn't your type - it's just gonna be troublesome and awkward
at the very least, he does treasure them
> because the author wants to show a "mature" MC that is not tempted even though it is normal
it has nothing to do with "maturity"
there is barely any hint of him constantly trying to hold back or anything
he just has zero attraction for them
trust me, you'd start to feel the same for people who are even just 10 years younger than you even if they were adults
it's not on the level of "i shouldn't", but more on the level of "ewww"