The author really could have just had them develop a good relationship without the rape because, besides it being mad unnecessary, it's clear they didn't know how to incorporate it into the plot. I mean, who the hell would ever say that.
I'm actually really proud of the current reader base. I remember how even a decade ago it was just accepted that r*pe happens in yaoi even if its nonsensical but I feel like now readers are actually voicing their opinion on it and when its not necessary for the plot.
Wow. I was not expecting this story to genuinely be so in-depth. The 8.6 rating is most definitely not deserved.