can't really figure out why the mc even likes the ml so much in the first place, like whyy...

I don't know if you experienced something like this in the past, but I kinda get the mc. It's like you wanna get close to someone you think is cute, someone you are attracted to. He doesn't need a reason, he just wanna be friends, and maybe not only friends. I really think that the mc felt attracted to ml from the start, he just didn't catch that, but he is starting to notice. I don't think the mc would get hard to anyone, so... Yeah, he liked him from the start.

i do get that he likes the ml from the start, but in order to make the mc's falling for the ml convincing, you have to make the audience fall for the ml too. what is so captivating about him other than his twinky vibes and unapproachability? what are his positive traits that draw the mc and the audience in? the mc needs a concrete reason to actually want to befriend the ml so badly other than just vibes, because if this isn't a bl, he would come off as a clingy overfamiliar roommate who intrudes the ml's personal space and boundaries and doesn't give a shit about consent. due to the quick pacing it feels like his nicknames and physical intimacy with the ml feel forced rather than be allowed to develop naturally, because the mc does in fact force his affection upon the ml. this makes it difficult for the audience to suspend their disbelief and immerse in the natural chemistry between these characters.

Well, seeing your point really doesn't make much sense, but I like to think that the relationship will be developed over time, or maybe not, because everything seems a little rushed in this manhwa. Maybe the author will give us the "mc knew in some way that the ml was the kid who gave him hope, so he tried to get close no matter what". Also, sorry if I'm not making much sense, it's a little difficult for me to write so many sentences in english lol

now that you said those things, it's really weird (in my vision) the way mc is trying so hard to be friends with ml, and nothing stands out in ml for such attitudes, except the fact that he's a twink, a very cute one at that.