I am just looking for a male lead who is in general silent type and expresses his feelings by actions, like protecting the MC or giving small gifts or small actions of affection. The male lead might sometimes even act a bit too cold or sometimes awkward in social situations. (Bonus points if the ML is strong but was weak or got saved by MC in the beginning) An example of a ML I am looking for is Lan Zhan from MDZS, but it doesn’t have to be a yaoi novel.
Second arc of How to Die as Heavy as Mt. Tai Series is interesting in that the personalities of the leads hasn't been consistent through the world hops; just some very core traits. The ML in the second arc fits your req's.
I was looking for a thread like this, I love silent subtle MLs! Thank you for the recs everyone, I'll check them out!
Trial Marriage Husband: Need to Work Hard Transmigration: Raising the Child of the Male Lead Boss Rebirth of the Film Emperor’s Beloved Wife
I know the last response was quite some time ago but the ML in The Reborn Otaku’s Code of Practice for the Apocalypse is a bit like what you want. Actually in the beginning he was saved by the MC, he's very grateful for that and like the MC a lot. They have a very calm relationship. This is a BL novel about apocalypse (with zombies and stuff), in fact i don't like this type of setting, but this one I enjoyed a lot. I recommend. Also sorry for bring this discussion back.
The Disabled Tyrant’s Pet Palm Fish [Transmigration] just read it recently, totally loved it and it perfectly fits ur description! (well ML is a mute so he has no choice to be silent )
Free Ren Yigu Ok, warning, this one is a little intense, but the ML was immediately who I thought of when I read your request. He has a severe stutter and so doesn’t talk much, he’s also very gentle and acts as a sort of constant in MC’s unstable life. Read the reviews though, it might be a little too much for what you’re looking for.