I'd like to think this guy is just way too out of touch from reality that this idea of masculinity is what sounded desirable in a sense to a girl, which is why he asked it the way he did. Like, coomer brained out or something where he thinks chad vs incel lol. There's definitely the inferiority complex and fake relationship that really froze him in confusion at that point too, especially since he literally hears from the guy's comment on him affirming the insecurity of how he's seen.
Not to say like he shouldn't be blamed though, there's absolutely stuff he should've done in this scenario. But it definitely opens up how to proceed in the story for him to change, like to reflect off of this and reevaluate what matters, and maybe even recognize that he really should've prioritized her wellbeing in this? Like if none of this happens in the next couple of chapters then it might be time to jump ship xd