MC also keeps no contact with his own mother for the same five years, despite her repeatedly trying to get in touch with him.
Then as soon as his father's new marriage inconveniences him he's all like, "ohai mommy dearest".
I wouldn't put all that much stock in MC's choices whether to keep in touch with people actually signifying much.
As for what could be a bigger hint? Actually
telling Erynn that he doesn't want to have anything to do with her because she mocked him in front of his friends. Which would funnily enough nip in the bud this whole nonsense and save him crying how stupid he was and how much of time with his beloved friend Erynn he missed out on, once the truth actually comes out.