Okay, hear me out. Initially, I thought it was hella weird that he kinda stuck to his guns for all those years for his affection towards someone he met in school. But I think, just like her, he didn’t grow up either, just not in the same literal sense. Honestly though, I’d think knowing that someone liked you for a duration substantially more than time you can actually perceive is a little incomprehensible. Just put your yourself in her shoes and maybe you’ll get what I mean.