Tbh, i can see a story where the first girl learns to appreciate him more as a friend since as of now its rather raw for her to think shes attracted to him when it could very well just be a very fulfilling platonic relationship (they're written to be more endearing that way imo) and then comparatively these two feel more like a couple given their shared interests, fondness and sense of community. Like if the first girl didnt exist, these two would easily fit into a romantic drama between lit nerds. Might just be this specific chapter being paneled as such tho.