This Koi character is so pointless. A very unfortunate reality of a series getting popular is all the bullshit like unnecessary side characters that come with it.
How convenient he has a childhood friend that is a popular mangaka, just like he wants to be. I understand it's a story and doesn't have to be completely realistic, but this is a bit much. All of this, by the way, is purely for her to lose so the main heroine can get the push she needs. Completely unnecessary when your main heroine is straight forward and would eventually end up telling him herself anyway??
Just smells like the editor doing everything in their power to keep this series as far away from the "goal" as can be. No matter what ridiculous development they have to suggest to do it.