This! All of this ^^^
Everything started in a twisted, unconventional way, so of course, it was hard for both of them to know where they stood.
Spoiler!
Even in the novel, Karlyle thinks this to himself and I quote "It is all Karlyle's fault for not taking responsibility for his own remarks saying not to have unnecessary feelings"
Karlyle is in love and sad, but people can't fault Ash for respecting his wishes when Karlyle himself can't even express his feelings.
Karlyle is in love and sad, but people can't fault Ash for respecting his wishes when Karlyle himself can't even express his feelings.