"I would call him an acquaintance," Ren says, scowling a bit. "And honestly, I need to appear independent. I don't want to show weakness in this place. I'm already without the Force."

It's not like him to be this open with anyone, much less Rey, but Rey had spent time in his head and he'd spent time in hers. They may not be connected any longer but it feels safer to reveal his insecurities to her than it does to anyone else. She knows he has them and hiding them does no good. She can understand him, at least.