I agree with the rest that the spoon rejection was a clear signal from the author to the reader, though I would not jump to the conclusion that this is because he's loyal to "the ideal of his not-gf". Rather, I'd say it's just a signal that he's not interested in the friend. I think both reads on that reaction are valid, though. It's some form of 'mc's eyes are only on fmc', just that some will think it's loyalty, others - exclusive interest.
More then anything, I think it's dumb that the dude is daydreaming about going on dates with her and still refuses to be honest with himself and her and just tell her how he feels. It's the single worst quality of Japanese romance - this insane fear of rejection and complete unwillingness to communicate. I had hope for this manga because its adults, not teenagers, but at some point it rly is just this hilariously irrational Japanese logic. People hiding their feelings in a 20 layer chest, fearing even remotely ruining anything they have going on with another person, lest they make the other feel 'uncomfortable'. Part of why the whole country refuses to adapt and improve. Better live in a perpetual status quo than risk anything ever.
Have grown to dislike this manga at this point over how it really is a typical teen romance, just with some fake 'theyre adults' paint. None of the characters in this manga act any more adult than they do in most highschool romances. The only difference is that they have work and they live alone. Oh wait... Work = Studying, live alone = parents randomly ran off abroad and left the kid living alone... Oh my god. This is a highschool romance.