That answer provokes even more blinking, then a laugh, short and entirely unexpected. Hence also entirely genuine.

"There's enough times we have to be like that, why choose not to say it now? There's nothing you can say to make me hate you, and nothing I don't want to hear from you." A moment's thought, and he adds, "Other than you never wanting to see or hear from me again, but I'd respect that if it's what you really wanted. I hope it never is," he adds, wanting that to be clear.

Also aware he's being direct in a way he usually spares the ones he cares for but feels less than... deserving of their company.