He declines to answer about the cohort - either that, or he decides to interpret the question as Did you notice that from the cohort? specifically versus the more broad Are you on my cohort?, both of which are information he chooses to skirt around with most people. 'Most people', of which this Sol still is.

"You didn't, when I knew you." Have Liesl. Bruce doesn't sound judgmental or like he thinks it's a problematic difference. Just an explanation. Sort of.