
Uke reminds me of Rebirth a bit where the uke there attempts to kill himself because he hated the Emperor to death. The uke here got thick spine, I'm reading it for him.
Also for a mid rate story, the side characters are actually pretty interesting. They all have memorable characters and distinct personalities.

I want MC to end up with Baekha so bad. I think he's a bit sly but not psychopathic enough considering the genre of this short story.
Sigh... When will we get good stories where MC ends up with the second lead?

You're good, I eat everything. I usually stay loyal with First Lead/Protag, but I do get some nice surprises where the second ML appears more appealing.
I'd like to see this in a perspective where I'm impressed enough with some character dynamics enough that the reader hopes for an alternate ending despite the obvious.
I hope you understanding that a small comment of wondering doesn't necessarily mean that I should stop reading a specific work. I like to read everything under the sun, comment about it, and think of alternatives because that's what reading and art is for.
This is always a sign of an angst arc to follow.
I hope the happy in love arc lasts a bit longer.