Dennis hadn't spent time with anyone since he last saw Emily. He wasn't deliberately avoiding Romilda but even if they'd kind of 'made things right', things just didn't feel the same with her. No matter how he tried he just felt like a complete loser around her so he wasn't avoiding her but he wasn't seeking her out either which meant he was pretty much alone.
Funny how he could be surrounded by people but completely alone... not that he was surrounded these days.
Anyway, he didn't realize how lonely he'd been until he caught sight of Emily waiting for him.
He quickly reached up to smooth down his hair and then walked to her, "Hi," and he even sounded lame but he decided to ignore his insecurities and just enjoy her company.