In the book A Separate Peace why does gene start to identify with becoming Phineas?

Gene starts to identify with becoming like Phineas because he admires Phineas' carefree and charismatic personality. He envies Phineas' ability to navigate life with such ease and grace, while Gene struggles with his own insecurities and inner turmoil. Phineas represents a freedom and innocence that Gene desires for himself.