Kise doesn't consider himself popular, instead thinking of himself as famous. But it's probably semantics. To him, popularity is something earned by personality. Akashi is popular.

"Hmmm... I'm not sure I'd agree. Maybe she's trying to get you to make the first move." He shrugs and sits up. "Anyway. Don't feel bad. Your rejection was nice enough, and I'll be okay."

He would be. It just hurts a lot right now.