[Sitting beside a girl on a bed . . . yeah, he's not above blushing a little about it, ears turning pink. He refuses to actually say anything to lampshade it or acknowledge his embarrassment, because that'll definitely make it worse, but he's a bit awkward about sitting at a respectful distance, watching Monika's hands on the bag. And then she's asking a question like that, too! Even though it's not related—just a coincidence—it's just two different things now for him to feel flushed about at the same time!

It's the nature of them, that's all. The most embarrassing part is that neither situation is remotely scandalous, and yet just having to consider them, in proximity at that, makes him feel self-conscious. Still, he can clear this up easily enough. Of course she means like like.]

. . . It's not like that. We're just friends. Honestly, it's not like we didn't think about it or have a moment or two, but . . . it didn't feel right. At least on my part. It's nothing to do with her, but I think I'm too messed up still to be able to just like and date someone in a normal way.