@Suzushiiro When looking at the album its hinted he got separated from his friends by not being accepted to his preferred school (the private one). That kind of thing destroys your self-esteem and outlook, so as you said, he needs a hug.
Reminder that 'middle 2nd' is current Ichi as of this point in the narrative. Though, 4-5 real-world years later, he should already be middle 3rd, since there's only a few months left in their second year at this time.
So, like, Shawn of the Dead ending, only that was his best mate. His SO was the only one he could keep 'unspoiled', and she was okay with him keeping his bestie in the shed.