>>279977035
Sure, but that kinda sucks. I think Deku not picking up on on romantic cues does make sense for his character though. I don't really understand what "explore love as a broader, more aspirational force" really means, it sounds like the kind of empty non-answer a politician gives when they know they got asked a question that exposes how they fucked up. You can't really do half assed romance wen writing a story, it might be realistic, but it's not entertaining or enjoyable for the audience. If he didn't want romance to be that big of an issue he should have went harder on making it obvious that Deku is clueless about romance and at least it could've been a funny character flaw, him just kinda having a crush on Ochako but not doing anything about is really just a waste of time on both the author's and the audience's part.

Besides, we all know Mei was the best girl for him anyway.