"Yeah," says Castor, faintly baffled by all this introspection. "I, uh, yeah, I had someone." He shrugs and digs his hands into his pockets, not sure what else to say. "You'll get sorted soon enough," he says awkwardly.

He wishes he could be better at this, but - at least Julian is grateful. Maybe he'll do better next time. And maybe this can be a new friend.