
He could just say “sorry I was an ass, but I really only thought of you as a friend” and then after that if she pushes it even farther then she is out off line. He shouldn’t need to divulge his deepest secrets (his reincarnation) just to reject this girl. Whether he tells her his true age or not, he morally wont allow himself to date her, and I think she should respect that.

I think the issue is that it's only half true. From what I've read, she is an important person to him. And even a likely romantic partner. The only thing holding him back is the age at which he died in his first life. But he was shy and cute when she took the initiative to kiss him. I love that she's calling him out.

I really like these stories where a villainess changes the plot and exacts justice on those who wronged her. You know, strong female leads discovering that they don’t need a shitty man and all that. However they all end the same, with the MC falling in love instead. I guess, as an aroace person I just wish there were more stories that weren’t ruined/interrupted by seemingly unnecessary romantic feelings. TBQH, I never shipped Melissa and Nine. I always saw them as a savior and the person she saved. I feel like the author is projecting these feelings onto Nine. To me, Melissa’s romantic feelings quite literally came out of nowhere and just appeared during the most recent chapter.
I JUST cut my hair short too!