LOL this is so real there’s a specific genre called Gap Moe I believe
This is an anthology
https://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/sono_gap_nyoi_special_feature/
This is a list made by somebody
https://www.mangago.zone/home/mangalist/1124861/
Lmk if you want specific recommendations because there’s a lot that I like that aren’t on this list
technically they’re not together romantically since the author hasn’t really decided yet if they will be since the author at first said no about it but may of changed their mind
but regardless, either as just friends or more they’re really sweet and very protective one of another and would absolutely risk it all for one another without question
https://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/mahou_shoujo_dandelion/
tldr: mc’s parents die unexpectedly in front of her when she’s very young and shade aka the other mc after that pretty much in a within the shadows type of way looks out for and protects her for years (only select people such as magical girls and a few others can even see him) until they have a short falling out when she unexpectedly becomes a magical girl due to apposing sides, but they make up quickly enough thank god
alright, thank you! would you also be into this one? it’s essentially sailor moon x yakuza with (a lot of gore and violence so be warned) a person of colour male mc who’s genuinely for once not annoying and actually a really good character and not a complete stupid fuck
tldr: susui aka the mc has taken in the past what’s essentially the spreading like fire dangerous drug “candy” in tokyo and works in the yakuza field so he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty at all, and one day suddenly riri aka our other mc who’s a magical girl shows up (since again susui took “candy” aka the earlier mentioned drug he’s able to see her) and saves him after making a deal and they’re now working together to more or less take down the yazuka together with a few uh.. twists let’s just say and secrets not being yet told
here’s the link, my bad!
https://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/magical_girl_and_narco_wars/

looking for any bl recommendations where a character acts tough or villainous (or an actual villain if we're talking fantasy) to seem strong, but gets easily flustered with their crush/love interest
tysm :3