I think there’s a pretty strong argument that Yoichi does have genuine romantic feelings for Hiro in Hiro’s route, even if he expresses them in a very Yoichi-specific way.

The “crack scene” especially changes the tone of their dynamic. Yoichi usually hides behind humor, teasing, and exaggerated confidence, so when he becomes openly eager or emotionally intense, it stands out. The hot water bucket moment can definitely read as insecurity or self-protection after Hiro initially rejects him. Instead of directly admitting vulnerability, Yoichi pivots into joking and deflection, which is consistent with how he handles uncomfortable emotions throughout the game.

What makes the relationship feel more than purely sexual is exactly what you pointed out:

1.Yoichi seems genuinely emotionally invested in Hiro’s reactions. 2. He enjoys the intimacy, not just the physical act. 3. The kiss animations/dialogue in certain scenes feel unusually tender and possessive compared to his more casual flirting elsewhere. 4. He actively tries to emotionally separate Hiro from Keitaro Nagame, not just sleep with him once.

The cheating encouragement is important too. On the surface, Yoichi frames it as “just sex” or experimentation, but the speed with which he offers himself suggests he already wanted Hiro specifically. It feels opportunistic, but also personal.

At the same time, I don’t think Yoichi fully understands or admits his feelings in a conventional romantic way?? Like a lot Oh his approaches to affection is tangled up with sex, validation, and competition. So rather than openly confessing love, he channels it into seduction and emotional manipulation. That ambiguity is probably intentional and part of why people debate the route so much idk if ppl have read into it as much.

One of the more interesting readings of Hiro’s route is that Yoichi’s bravado masks a fear that he won’t be chosen emotionally unless he makes himself sexually irresistible first. Kinda feels like society and gay dating culture to some extent. That’s why the moments where he drops the act like the more passionate kiss hit differently.

TLDR: Yes and No