After the Chief Elder announces Jonas's assignment, everyone starts chanting his name louder and louder. After that, Jonas calls out for Asher and insists to ride their bikes home together. However, while riding home, Jonas felt a moment of hesitation and uncertainty from his friend. When he arrived home, he felt that they "weren't quite as they had always been through the long friendship." I think this is because of Jonas's new, very important job that causes loneliness and frustration.