God forbid a fictional character has depth in them and is complex like a normal human being. It was established at the beginning of the story how he is as a person, especially since he was shaped by his circumstances—trauma and financial burden. He also made this very clear to Tae Seok. Think for a second—he has always been independent, so being dependent to another person is scary for him. Also, there is a power dynamics in their relationship: him struggling to make ends meet and then Tae Seok being rich. Again, think how he has moments where he thought there is no end to his struggles. He made it where he was because he is stubborn partnered with high sense of responsibility, and as Tae Seok had said, it’s not something someone can just change overnight.
I wish just wish your thought process weren’t as linear.

I like the MC at first cuz his personality so refreshing at the start then later it just shift wtf??! He is so frustrating, I'm so frustrated I can't even breathe arghhhh