Im gonna fight anyone who says this is grooming

The loop has to start somewhere you know..

if you can see, 20yrs old duke fell inlove with 24 yrs old uke, the adult version. He raised that child in a loving environment surrounded by nice people. He gave him a choice and he had to distance himself because of the gap. Realizing that child can have his own dream and path. He didn't cross any line. I see no manipulation here.