Ashton's reaction hadn't entirely unexpected, but it still felt like a blow to the stomach for Claude. Honestly, Ashton didn't even need to say anything else. The blushing and the stammering were answer enough. He was even trying to downplay whatever it was that was going on, even though it was painfully obvious by now.

Oh Ashton. He was trying so hard for his sake, wasn't he? Claude couldn't cause a scene in the cafeteria, as much as he wanted to right then. But it didn't change the fact that Ashton and Dias were...

The Earthling stayed quiet for a moment, taking in a deep breath as he listened to his friend speak. "O-of course I'd still be your friend, Ashton!" he said, his voice a bit louder than he'd intended. "What kind of question is that? Is that why you've been hiding this from me?"