[ it was a mistake, so he nods at that, but aoba doesn't know the whole story. the reason he feels guilty is the fact the mistake felt so good and he was so happy. he hates himself for feeling that, and that's why he can't take aoba's words to heart fully. he should have been happy with their friendship alone, yet he was selfish enough to disregard their friendship (no matter how briefly or what state of mind) for something he wanted. he knows aoba doesn't feel the same now that the landlord's influence is gone. he does finally verbally respond, but it still sounds unsure.] Yeah.
[ while outwardly, it looks like his body isn't as tense when aoba mentions wanting to be friends still, inside is another story. he's glad, relieved, even, to hear aoba say such a thing. he would never turn down the assurance of friendship and make an ultimatum for more. no, instead he thinks he's too selfish -- no matter what, he wants aoba in his life. he needs him in his life because that's the only thing that really connects him to the world that isn't tainted by the sins of his past. he smiles, and how true that smile is... no, it's genuine. there is pain, but knowing aoba still needs him, that's the most important. ] I will always be your friend no matter what, Aoba. [ he extends his hand in a very familiar way as it's how they initiated their secret handshake as kids. ] Don't give in, right?
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[ while outwardly, it looks like his body isn't as tense when aoba mentions wanting to be friends still, inside is another story. he's glad, relieved, even, to hear aoba say such a thing. he would never turn down the assurance of friendship and make an ultimatum for more. no, instead he thinks he's too selfish -- no matter what, he wants aoba in his life. he needs him in his life because that's the only thing that really connects him to the world that isn't tainted by the sins of his past. he smiles, and how true that smile is... no, it's genuine. there is pain, but knowing aoba still needs him, that's the most important. ] I will always be your friend no matter what, Aoba. [ he extends his hand in a very familiar way as it's how they initiated their secret handshake as kids. ] Don't give in, right?