Responses
I recently found that it's not uncommon for mangaka to be asked (read:forced to) include romance in their works by their editors. I agree that this romance doesn't seem forced in the eyes of the girl because it was obvious from the first interaction that she fell for the protagonist but I also agree that since protagonist has like, triple her mental age and has not shown to be interested in her beyond the professional area, I don't think this is a relationship that would ever work. Not until the girl has gone to EEUU and matured a bit more. (Because we all saw that her non-existent acting skills at the theatre show)
Not every happy ending has to have the MC in a relationship! He was content with his career and made peace/have a great future with his mom and new family. I get that this girl has been around forever but he has shown no interest or attraction to this girl whatsoever. There has been no true buildup or slow burn or anything. Heck they are barely friends with the little time they have spent together both on and off screen. This story was perfect until this bull crap.