Of course, after he had his ecstasy, came the slap of reality.
So what if the emperor liked him? He still rejected his feelings for some reason and didn't seem to have any intention to pursue him.
Arren couldn't understand, and he didn't want to understand. Perhaps because of his age? He wasn't sure. So even though he was more or less convinced of the alpha's feelings, he had no intention to return to how he was before either.
He liked him, yes. Arren had not become a denial hypocrite just because he was heartbroken; he admitted fully that his feelings for the emperor were still there, holding him in a firm grip.
However, he still had respect for himself. After realizing the possibility of the alpha's feelings, Arren became calmer instead. He had come to the decision that if things turned out well for them, Arren wouldn't be the one to make a move this time.
