[She is right on the money with that guess, honestly. In fact, it might be even a bit sadder than that -]

... I see. I was... unaware that such a word could be used for friends.
From what I had gathered, it seemed to be reserved...
"Love" was not a common word in Everhood.

[So, yes, they're not used to hearing that word directed at themself. They haven't really ever heard that at all.
They've only heard others say "love" at just about everyone else.]

I suppose this is proof that I ought to be more open-minded about these things, if nothing else.