did you want them to look exactly the same as they did 10 years ago? Also the “second ML” does NOT look exactly the same at the ML, in fact we don’t even know what he looks like cause he hasn’t been re-introduced yet??
“Who? What? Why?” Bro it’s only been 2 chaps into season 2, you will find out. Also how can you can say it doesn’t feel like a time skip cause it has a “different characters and story flow” ofc thats what a time skip does Did you expect it to be the same exact story as season 1 where no one has matured and lived their life?

I think a bit slower start would help to comprehend the story more. Change of artist and character designs wasn't the most accomodating as well.
Season 1 ends very dramatically, and then season 2 introduces another ML, who looks exactly the same as the ML from the first part, and to whom the MC immediately shows strong resentment. Who? What? Why?..
It doesn't feel like a time-skip at all: different artist, different characters, different story flow, pace and composition - you can call it another series entirely.
Maybe the novel has better transition, I have no idea