"pretending to be a friend" he isn't though, he's clearly her friend and wants the best for her, him wanting to be more than that doesnt mean he isnt her friend still. he may say differently himself, but he clearly lacks confidence in his decisions since he regretted what he said to satou about not trusting random internet peeps, but he was right and satou agreed. theres nothing wrong with attempting to get closer to her, and he's not doing anything manipulative