Yes the ML is the villain, you remember correctly. MC probably lied to avoid hurting him, especially since in the novel he is technically the reason why "MC" killed himself.
IN THE NOVEL MC REMEMBERS: Our current ML [Tae Seongjae, technically a cousin to the ogML Kang] fell for Jimin [the ogMC of the novel], used "MC" [the original Seo Sungwon, friend of Jimin] and confined him (to get leverage or sth), "MC" loved him but ML was only using him, that lead to "MC" killing himself, which served as a turning plotpoint for ogMC and his ogML [Kang, the obsessive creep] to join hands AGAINST our ML, ruining him in the process. It is also the catalyst for the ogMC and ogML to fall in love.
Rest of MC's explanation is truthful, and a diagram actually helps a lot to understand the dynamics. I'll repost this as a thread for other confused folks
Okay so i dont really remember a lot of chapters from the past but when the ML asked the mc if he is involved in the storyline and the Mc says no cause it takes place in the University (was he lying ?). Wasn’t the MC the villain in the Story and he kills someone of am i tripping and mixing BL’s up . Anyone is more than welcome to give me a summary of what happened prior.