Those weren't his words. He told me you two decided it wouldn't work, but I wanted to see what you thought about it.

[ He could've just asked instead of spitting out a statement, but he's provocative...

With the explanation out, his gaze drops. ]

I do care about him, but as a friend. [ I'm sorry. ] He didn't give me too many details out of respect for you.

So I thought I'd come directly to the source.