Excuse you he is a grown ass 22 year old man.
Also do you know what Hanahaki is?
(No no no no no. OK-so basically the general and Elliot already know each other and are friends, Elliot has a big phat crush but he believes that the general doesn't return his affections-thus developing Hanahaki disease. It's honestly not just about the other person realizing their feelings. The feelings might already be there, it's more about admitting them and making the victim understand that they care for them.)