I agree he does like her but as I mentioned haven't reached the point of love. I assumed that from the lack of physical comfort he overed, I mean no hug. She runs to him and he pushes her behind him, a defender. Even after the situation came under control she was the one who pulled him towards her and leaned into him. I felt a hesitation on his part to put his arms around her. More like he does not want to give her wrong signal.
But I don't mind that the relationship is slow paced.
I watch the show in telegram, which gets cut off before showing precap.