Why used the Word CARE? with the Manager Guy he wants to... Mmmm from the blowjob chapter he wants to this manipulated? Mmmmm I don't know
I think the MC feels guilty for whatever happened to the (died) brother and of course, he still hung up with on ML. The ML prob will try to guilt-trip him to stay with him.
Is a posibility but I don't think so. In this moment that story it's cloudy we don't know NOTHING so for the moment manager Guy only want that.... Mmm.... Eggplant or how do You explain the jealosy? Jelouse? .... Forget how it write that word
I mean, it's combination of many things: feeling of first love, guity, regret, lust, many what-if possibilities, from the MC.
I hate when I mother fucker cares to much and always acts oblivious. It's clear what he was doing. I would have ignored his text. I just wished the MC had the upper hand for once and showed he couldn't be easily manipulated/influenced, even if he does have feelings for the ML.