Acute point, and especially for a massively egotistic character imo being only cute would borderline be an insult. At the very least its being cute should be a given for them in their heads.I finally have to ask a question to someone well-versed in Japanese culture and language:
Does the word "cute" (可愛い kawaī) encompass more than just looks?
It has always rubbed me the wrong way in every manga I've read when the guy says "you're cute" and that's somehow enough to charm the girl, like it isn't the most surface level compliment that could possibly be given.
I must believe there's some cultural difference here. Where I come from it might be flattering, but if that is the main point of attraction the girl in question would be insulted instead.
According to TV Tropes, it means something like sexy. Maybe it depends on the situation, but it might mean that when said to an attractive teen.Does the word "cute" (可愛い kawaī) encompass more than just looks?