Okay so she could not have been more obvious to people that understand social situations (have been in/done them themselves). But to our social outcast of an mc he (as usual) completely misunderstood. Even the Manga was a huge hint. Do people truly have that little self awareness? Well actually yeah probably; I can see that for about everyone. “Aloof, blunt, but actually nice. At times clumsy and cute. A gloomy bastard” all he’s missing is arrogance (and kinda needs... well straight up confidence would be better or like any understanding of social situations). So the next few chapters are gonna be kinda awkward until the misunderstanding is resolved. Actually, the resolving could finally end with them dating, but I’m going to remain cautiously optimistic. Hopefully the author does realize not much would have to change with their dynamic even if they started dating (they practically act like a couple anyway).