I think it’s matter of perspective, MC narrates his life while which was what he viewed as whole. While ML’s POV focuses on traits he likes about mc, cutesy act etc… that’s why it looks happy because it didn’t include what mc was going through.
There is also ML’s mother who isn’t favor of MC she probably said shit to mc which made him distant
There's also a chance that MC doesn't show 'this part of him' to ML sooo yeahh
And is like everyone from the house is doing those stuff to him behind the ML back when hes not there or looking.
What i don't understand is why both of them have different memories from the real life , like from POV of the MC his real life is hell , but from ML POV is like all good and smiles. Does he not know what has been going on in the house with the MC .