[ He had only been trying to joke with her. The fact that she gets so worried about it can mean one of two things: either she's really worried that the subject upset him - but why would it have? - or she's nervous because it wasn't just a casual answer for her.

Not to get his hopes up or jump to conclusions or anything. He gives her his usual brilliant smile again as he turns around.]

Of course, I know that. I was just messing with you. I know you didn't bring it up. And it was only a game. Kouta-san and Rat and I do it too.

[ No they don't, that's a complete lie. They've never discussed the girls on the team as potential love interests, and even if they did Micchi would have lied to them too, because if Kouta-san likes any of them it's most likely Mai-san. No need to have an open rivalry or create a fuss. No need for Kouta to know he's competing at all. ]