[Aside from a short roll of the eyes, he ignores the blatant call out. It's true, sure-- but also he's not gonna let himself get dragged into arguing about himself. And so he nods along with her comment instead taking a sip of his own drink.]

Yeah, it is. Probably earlier for most people, but they didn't have the same shit to deal with as us.

[They never really do this: talk openly about themselves. Maybe it's the freedom from being so removed from the world of shadows and the Kirijo Group and the constant overhanging expectations. And so, after another pause, he rolls a shoulder.]

I didn't... Really know either. Like what's the real difference between someone you're friends with, or just find hot, or actually-- [He waves a hand, and tried to pretend his face isn't slightly flushed.]

I guess you just sort of pick what it means yourself. I figured, I just.... Wanted Dara around, and shit. Wanted to see her smile, and be the reason for itm which sounds dumb as hell to say, but--

[Didn't he just think that this wasn't supposed to be about him? Ugh. But giving an opening is probably the only way to get one back, and it's not like his relationship is exactly a secret, even if he rarely talks about it.]

-Anyway, that's my take. Guess I was just curious why you were thinking about it at all.