So she wasn't aware at all that there was a chance she could've dated him as if she confessed at that moment. Then at least she won't be aware he's chosen to string her along until he finishes his mandatory main quest, all while actually going off on just his assumptions, not having tested anything like "Would a second kiss count? How about hugs, simple hopping into bed together or even simple handholding? Can the number increment by more than 1?"
"I-I wanted to have sex with her!"
Press (X) to Doubt
Sure, buddy. I haven't forgotten that time he thought "I somehow have to get outside, or I'll be in serious trouble..." He had his chances and yet he tried to skillfully dodge all of them like a pro. This is before the "Date" choices even came up. If that's what he means by "want", I wonder what his "don't want" looks like...
Knowing what he must do is fine and all, but when it comes to actually trying, well... forget checking if sex can increase the number too, he seems to be afraid to do ANY physical act with girls at this point. He knows he has to do something, and yet he'll likely end up again having something done to him only when he has no choice (e.g. he's asleep).
It's super weird that he can think of having sex with Akari, yet he can't even say in his head that he wanted to squeeze "Akari's boobs", in the safe space of his private thoughts. Come on, man. Some character development would be sorely appreciated. Will he get better or will he sink deeper into cowardice? Let's find out...