He didn't pay too much attention to her when they were classmates, he just "happened" to hate the boy she secretly liked; after they left, he didn't miss her often, he only remembered her inadvertently in the dead of night.
He feels that he has lived well these years, really well. Even if it is love, as long as he wants it, there is no lack of adjustment from the opposite sex.
So he never refused to admit that he liked her.
But why did everything become out of control after an unexpected reunion?
The sweet dream he had when he was young lasted for so many years. Now, is he finally free, or is he being taken to a more distant unknown?