He wrapped an arm around her back and held her a moment, it had taken a long time for him to get over the shock of what his powers could do and for him to trust himself to touch people again. Not that he was very physical before he found out... probably why it had taken so long. "I was not honest with myself last year. It took a few things, and a few mistakes to make me realize." He winced slightly, realizing how that sounded. "You were not mistake. Drunk choice I made was mistake, partner was a good one." He really wasn't helping his case.
As he tucked his phone back into his pocket he sighed. "I wish other believed me like you." He'd really fucked things up with Valentin, first by not being honest with himself, second by trying to randomly kiss him and third by not saying something before pictures got posted. Maybe it was for the best. Maybe he was just meant to be a crush to get him to this point?