[ They're just going to continue communicating in hand squishes, it seems like. Bum doesn't mind. It serves as a nice reminder that he's there. He smiles a little awkwardly; it's probably meant to be reassuring. ]

Well... all is fair in love, right?..

[ He has no judgement for that other Steve. If he was in that situation, he probably would have done the same thing. But his Steve does not look too happy about it, so he'll do his best to support him however he needs it. ]

Y-yeah, I'm... doing better. [ He sighs, looks away, then back to Steve hopefully. It's now or never. ] I... I also made a new friend! [ The bubbliness just breaks through without him intending it to; he's clearly excited, both about the fact and to share the news with Steve. He'd never thought he'd be capable of something like this! ] Her name is Monika, and s-she runs the book club... we had a lot of-- similar favorites. And-- she saved me on the boat on the w-way back here...

[ Then he suddenly looks worried. ]

Is... is that okay with you?