Yeah, but he's afraid to lose all that if he dates him, since all his past relationships ended badly. So we wants to rather stay friends and be able to stay by his side that way.
Even if we is, he will not admit that for 100 chapters
It's hard work to reassure a person with little self-confidence that they're good enough for someone seemingly perfect. I'd say the process of him coming to terms with it taking a long time is rather realistic. Changing someones mindset isnt easily done (=・ω・=)
The only non-realistic part in the story is that Jiheon isn’t head over heels yet, you mean to tell me your not into the man that has a insane build, as handsome as a moviestar, loyal and devoted to you your entire life, only cares about you and nothing else, rich and a world olympian?? Like what more can a person offer lmao