As someone who isn't very romantically inclined in real life, I honestly kinda get Jiheon's perspective. He acknowledges that he deeply cares for Jaekyung, and also finds him attractive. But he has a track record of struggling to feel love so seeing someone he cares about being so deep in already and being fairly sure you won't be able to return that is actually a fairly rational concern.
On top of that, he's kind of superimposing his own regrets and desires onto the ML in swimming. Jaekyung is trying to simplify their relationship so theres less baggage
As someone who isn't very romantically inclined in real life, I honestly kinda get Jiheon's perspective. He acknowledges that he deeply cares for Jaekyung, and also finds him attractive. But he has a track record of struggling to feel love so seeing someone he cares about being so deep in already and being fairly sure you won't be able to return that is actually a fairly rational concern.
On top of that, he's kind of superimposing his own regrets and desires onto the ML in swimming. Jaekyung is trying to simplify their relationship so theres less baggage