Like with all the other lolicon/concerning age gap manga, I think the author's intent on the romance relies on the reaction of the friends. Right now we just have the perspective of the pedo and child. I really want her friend to have a massive negative reaction for some drama, the closest I've read to this was in "My First Love's Kiss".
Although her friend is dumb as rocks so I don't have much hope for this.
On the other hand, a negative reaction may be coupled with a dumbass ultimatum like "wait until she's 18" instead of trying to get the MC to not like children.