[Dirk's hands are clenching to fists in his lap. His face is as blank as he can make it. He's never been more glad for his shades than he is now. He's not sure what he's feeling right now- flattered? Angry? Heartbroken?- but he's sure that he doesn't want Jake seeing it.

"Passionate," he says. It sounds like "overemotional," in Dirk's ears. He's determined to prove him wrong. In this way, even if he apparently won't be able to manage any other ways.

It doesn't help that Jake blushing still looks cute as hell.]

All right. I can read in between the lines.

[He can feel his nails digging into his palms, but he doesn't relax his hands.]

So you don't like me as much. Okay. I get that. Thanks for trying to spare my feelings, it's not as if I was still hoping to ask you out in the first place for the last two months.