It would be a bittersweet feeling ending there if they had sold me on their relationship
at all XD
@feha: That part seems reasonable: General fear on either of their parts to address the matter more than half-jokingly, lest things get awkward. Presumably their friendship is also worth something to them.
And, of course, far easier to be frank about it right before parting, when, if it does get awkward, you're not going to see the person again for a long time anyway. All basic risk-reward in life and relationships, of the sort everyday folks do all the time.