[nooo not that compliment agaaaiiin Ven gives a soft laugh, but it's less amusement and more the kind of sound one makes when he's not sure what to say. Shoulders hunched, he ducks his head slightly as if to hide his face.]

My friends are the amazing ones. The ones I grew up with, yeah, but those I've made here, too. I am... who I am -- because of them, you know?

[Shifting his weight, he cocks his head just enough to smile up at her.]

You, too, Yunie. I owe you. I'm glad we met.