Yolohy
Alex is my favourite side character so far. The only one who doesn't just go along with the MC. Think about it from her point of view, he's an anonymous guy who has no track record with them. I think her friends are infected by MCs confidence and she doesn't trust him yet which is why she stands out. I also like that she is proactive solving her own issues and isn't just perpetually waiting to be saved . She isn't a love interest at this point, but if she is in the future id be OK with that. MC doesn't need submissive partners, In a post apocalyptic world they might as well be anchors dragging him down.