Salem is taking this friendship thing seriously.
See, here's the thing about he and Atlas' friendship: there was always tension. Obviously Salem knew he was bisexual at the time, so it became clear to him pretty quickly that he felt more than platonic feelings for the guy. He's not sure about Atlas' side, but he knows that he was a mess.
The horrible craving, the insatiable desire to be near him. Salem never felt that with anyone else, let alone a friend. He knew it was different.
Since their conversation, it has become very clear to him that he can't do this. He and Atlas never had a normal friendship, even before they were romantically involved. He can't go back to something he never had, he doesn't know the limitations. It's not like he can treat Atlas like he does Cam or Milo or even Zona. Everything is so different with him.
