Lets just wait and see how the author portrays it.
I understand what you're saying, but I believe that sex isn't all that important. If the fl agrees not to have sexual relations with the ml, then so be it.
True, trama cannot be erased, and sex may be a trigger for his past trauma, but I believe that if they worked together and the ml didn't push himself too far, it may work.
At the end of the day, I think the importance of sex in a relationship is determined by the person. Some people may accept it, while others may not. ╮(￣▽￣)╭
I think it depends on the person/relationship. I can't comment on rape or sexual trauma, but sex in relationships for me has always been a great if it's there fine if its not sort of thing. I also had a friend who's partner was asexual, and they worked out a system where she could have purely physical relationships with other people. Of course, if a sexless relationship is a deal breaker for you, that's completely okay. But that's not to say that it can't work for some.
You really don't need to have trauma to not desire sex. Ace people exist fyi and some people who underwent this kind of trauma either have a hyperactive sex drive or not at all. It's not surprising in which spectrum they end up in but it's very possible. Some are even disgusted towards sex that they would literally have a mental breakdown even if seeing or implying about sex. It's that heartbreaking for people who shunned sex and rightfully so. Ace people can have relationships too but they don't engage in sexual acts.
what happened to the ml is extremely tragic and in the mc's shoes we would obviously do whatever we can to ease his pain...BUT
realistically, would you be able to stay in a sexless relationship? granted, i'm sure the ml will recover somewhat and on occasion, a very rare occasion, would have loving sex with the mc in the future but rape is definitely an experience you can never 'truly' get over. especially since, engaging in sex with the ml you'd know how it can bring up past trauma, the few times you do have sex, neither would really enjoy it -- you'd still be guilt-ridden even if the ml were to 'make the first move', and the ml would remember his ex. he most definitely would never be one of those smutty horndogs like other story ml...
iunno. i really want to say sex isn't important, but deep down, i know it is and to be deprived of that in a relationship, i don't know how long i'd last