The story isn't really about Tav and Astarion as equal participants in the romance, it's about how the romance changes Astarion and what he becomes as a result. He's the main character of the story we as players create. At least that's how I think Larian approached it and how Larian probably assumed we players would approach it as well. So of course Tav doesn't look like they're into it. Tav is just a generic entity meant to provide generic feedback to the numerous unique and complex characters that populate the world. And the generic response to that situation is fear and discomfort.
I understand this theory of yours, but i cant help but thinking this made even less sense on their side, lets say the fear and discomfort that tav has during the kiss is Larian telling the players, hey this is supposed to be the feelings that being his partner would have. then with this awful feelings, why would Tav initiate the kiss for the second time ? they might as well just remove "can i kiss you" for the rest of the game because if you ask for second time you probably pretty much enjoy it I assume ?
or if these horrible looking of Tav kissing scenes happen when Tav asks "what are we?" , and without saying a word, Astarion grabs tav's neck or make her kneel to show his dominative or abusive side implying this is going to be an abusive toxic relationship, that might explain why Tav looks scared i mean at least to me. but so far adding these face with other sweet interaction between him and Tav just really look odd.
Hope you don’t think I am disagreeing with you, I actually pretty admire your unbiased and polite tone when expressing your opinion.
