maybe try these :
'Never Understand' ml literally calls the mc ugly ( I know this sounds bad but stay with me ) for the first parts of the story, but the mc was just genuinely such a strong willed person the ml can't help getting worried for him,, at some point he'll find the mc cute but for the most part it's the mc being a good person that the ml falls for afshdjjdk
'Part Time Partner' enemies to fuck buddies to lovers, it's been a while since I read this one but I'm pretty sure relationship didn't start off with the ml thinking the mc was cute,, it was more of a hatred towards the mc, then forming trusts, to finding companionship in each other ,, rather slow progression but pretty enjoyable imo
i noticed many of the stories i've read, ml mostly started to like mc cs they were cute or smthn like adorable, sweet etc. but do you guys know a story where they like mc for being strong willed, brave, unique, and admire them for being as the person they are?? i mean (╥﹏╥) yeah i hope someone gets it