MC's emotional changes are pretty well explored. The ML on the other hand is still calling the MC a kid until the end. He does admit he was overthinking potential negative outcomes and that his hesitance isn't fair to the MC. Tbh, it seems to me that the ML is taking responsibility rather than being passionately in love. He has interest in the MC and has noticed MC's interest in him. He decides to give them a chance and commit to growing these feelings together. He is definitely sincere, but it's hard to tell the actual depth of his feelings. This actually contributes to the story in a way. MC is very insecure and it's much easier for the readers to empathize with him when they also do not know what the ML is thinking. The author leaves his perspective up to interpretation and it's not a bad choice. ML seemed to have a quiet struggle to overcome his 'parenting' position, and resolved it himself without letting the MC know that he intended to treat him as a son at first.

Younger brother is accosted by a teacher... and likes it. Rumors about the teacher make him even more curious. The story itself is pretty good, but the start has some obvious flaws. Teacher Ji is someone who both craves love and fears misunderstandings. How much did he like the masked CX to overcome his trauma long enough to call CX over in public, and give his phone number? He's such a passive person, not to mention in an unfamiliar environment. Getting involved with a student could literally destroy him. There just isn't enough incentive for him to bait CX like that. The follow up after proceeds quite naturally patching up the early inconsistency. It's just that it really leaves one wondering... just what did JX see in him at first sight? CX was described as wearing a mask and not speaking much. He should have not stood out at all. Maybe the teacher called the obviously ill student back in concern and the attraction hit when they locked eyes? Dr. Gu's professional ethics as well as CX response were quite shit. The first was planning to give up the info as long as CX passed his test, when only JX's opinion should matter. The latter reflected for two seconds that he made JX relive his nightmare. Solution? Fight poison with poison and be even more high profile. Overwrite the bad memories by controlling the rumor mill to dispel the hearsay. The author doesn't elaborate on what they say to the chatty kathy's, but it's highly likely they told the truth of the previous incident. This would be a serious leak of Teacher Ji's personal information considering it is something CX learned from his medical records. It would mean CX not only stole his records, but that he also spread out the data to the most vicious rumormongers in school. The intentions revealed at the end are sweet and it very luckily turned out well without a mental break or resignation.