"It was also awkward when we were roommates," Topher mumbled. Then he shook his head, wringing his hands a little as he tried to figure out how to articulate what he was thinking in a way that wasn't completely rude. "Um. Sorry. I mean. It's worth it? Because you're you, obviously, and you're really cool. It's just also a little weird. But manageable. Manageable weird."

Beat.

"'Cause I like you."

That point seemed important to reiterate.