[gives a very, veeeeeery suspiciously long pause as he chooses his words carefully. . .]

The more I get to know someone, the stronger my-- the thing that I lost-- becomes.

[Akira Kurusu why aren't you just honest about your super special magic soul powers]

I learned a little more about someone from train space in that other world, so I think our friendship leveled up. Back home, that would be enough to power up that which I loss.

That's why I mean by "I felt close."

[even tho he didn't get a Persona out of hitting Rank 2 on his new and improved Strength Confidant, it sort of felt like he should have]