Ayumu confessed to Hayate, but he claims that Athena is his lover. (It's like if Ayumu is not even in the rivalry anymore.) I wonder if he will say that again to Hina if Hina confesses to Hayate.
Once Hina confesses, Hayate's mind will be " Hinagiku-san loves me? No! This can't be happening. She hates me and is always angry at me" It will take a month or so till he recovers his mind back from insanity
. Her confession will be such a critical damage that he would not dare to love Athena freely with so much confidence from then on.
Possible theory: Ayumu&Hina's love > Athena.
Hayate wouldn't want to hurt anyone's feelings.
I can't wait till the next chapters. If the ending won't turn out to be "Everyone becomes best friends happy ending" the outcomes are too unpredictable
...