@Yurisivel I agree 100%, while I do think it's good for Shirley to have more to rely on in the area, I really wish he'd get over his idea of being "worthy of her" and she'd reject him out right and not end up with her. No idea how it goes eventually (not even sure the novels are actually done tbh), but I do think he is the weaker aspects of the story.
But, I don't hate the idea of someone being there for her to rely on as a friend, but I don't want it to be a "she needs a man in her life" like you said. Though, so far, never felt like she NEEDED him, she is pretty badass on her own
I can't wait until the manga gets to what volume 2 of the novel has.