The male protagonist displays some disturbing behavior in this situation. He deliberately isolates the main character from others, seemingly taking pleasure in their torment, hoping to provide "comfort" later on, without actually stepping in to help or stopping the bullying. He passively observes the main character being subjected to cruelty, even when others question the strange circumstances. Neither the protagonist nor the bullies acknowledge the severity of the situation.
This kind of manipulation, where the abuser isolates their victim to control them, is a common tactic in abuse stories. The victim comes to rely solely on the abuser for support, unaware of the harm they're experiencing. It's important to note that saying "he will change" or "he might change" doesn't excuse past actions. True redemption requires genuine remorse, clear apology, and efforts to rectify the situation. As it stands, this isn't a love story but rather a portrayal of abuse, at least up to this point.