[ a small, rather meek noise before he speaks up again, still sounding a little more subdued. ]

I think -- even that is better than to choose to reject all friendships. Pursuing a friendship with someone 'wrong.' Because at least that way, one can influence the other to perhaps change their ways, become a better person. But to reject all possibility of friendships -- accomplishes nothing. You may not lose anything, but you also don't gain anything, and don't help anyone else. Isn't that a risk worth taking?