I don't think it's that unpopular. It makes a lot of sense and it feels like. Hugo just got the confortable rode/got obsessed for no reason.
I'm kinda hoping Theo will be developed or a proper partner will show up for Hugo because the way things are it's just boring
I'm glad I'm not alone in this. I was feeling weird after reading comments pushing for Theo X Hugo and Theo X Twins.
I agree with you that so far it feels like Hugo is pining for Theo JUST because they've known each other since they were kids. There's nothing anywhere that shows how/when/why this crush started. It feels shallow. But again, truly hoping for some filling to be put into these holes.
I have never shipped Theo with either of them. I feel like thus far the author hasn't really developed his character. He's just a 1D happy faithful servant with no other layers to his character. In any other story his type of character is just the maid/knight/butler/friend whose sole role is to support the main characters. Even Horan and Baron (the servants from the prequels) have more personality. I'll likely change my mind once the author works on developing Theo. But as things are right now, I can't get behind shipping Theo or Shaia with a regular loaf of bland bread.