Was roel not a guy to begin with?

Nope

ROEL WAS A WOMAN? LIKE HE WAS A WOMAN WHEN HE HAD BLOND HAIR AND GOT LIKE A THOUSAND CONFESSIONS FROM GIRLS A DAY?

she was very masculine but the novel I admit is confusing as they sometimes refer to Roel as both male and female (using masculine and feminine pronouns)

Btw I think the author has gotten ill so don't expect an update anytime soon