Gurl it's not only about the age gap . . . The MC literally underage . . . . and their relationship aren't even platonic. They literally have sex. Also sometimes it's not about just because there are something worse, a bad thing is justified :( I myself like this series a lot from general perspective it's a good work, but I know it is still wrong :((
Well yes, it's still very questionable morally, the brain doesn't finish maturing until 25 after all. But that's just something else that makes their relationship so questionable and unhealthy. It's kinda tiring seeing everyone get hanged up on the age and just call pedophile when there's so much more to discuss. Like 16 is a literal serial killer, yet he still decided to spare 647 on a whim and actually fell for him.

People freaking out over mc being 18 when I’ve seen wayyy worse age gaps in regular (non BL) romances. Poor MC is literally suicidal and has gone through so much abuse like let him be happy