this may be just my personal preference but i really enjoy the slow burn of romancing Max. He comes off as awkward since he's bad with social cues but when you get that heartwarming scene instead of hugging you like he's already done he kisses your forehead and despite it being relatively small it feels so caring and intimate with him like maybe he's starting to develop feelings. Even if those feelings might not be romantic in nature yet, even if they're only a close friend for now i feel like his next update or 2 are going to be big ones.