Maybe if he better understood Waver's intentions with this line of inquiry, he wouldn't shut down so quickly at the reprimand. He's been the object of adults telling him what to do and how to feel for too long to take any of it with a grain of salt. Refusing to capitulate, his expression turns neutral in every form.

"It's a title you earn, not one you're given." Blunt and to the point. He's back to careful neutrality, his eyes losing any form of spark they held before. "I have my friends. One who is currently waiting for me." He raises the four glowsticks. "I'll tell Allen these are from you." And without another word, turns on his heels and heads back outside.