Well, thank you. I enjoyed it too. ( that's the truth. not only because of what he discovered through those sessions with Akira, but simply for having the young man's company. like most of the kids at Shujin, he really was just a good kid thrown into some tough situations — though perhaps Akira's were tougher than most — in an unfair world.

and then there's that laugh. that sheepish, embarrassed laugh and scratching of his head, as though Akira's staring cluelessly at his bad acting instead of telling him to chill the fuck out for once in his life. fair point but... )

You know, I've been working for so long that I don't remember what it's like not to. ( he was always so focused on his research, and then came the need to balance that research with his part-time job counselling. he's never really had the chance to slow down.

but do you fight against reality by taking a break? ) Besides, given the circumstances of our arrival, I don't think one more counsellor in this place could hurt.

( he's assuming there are other counsellors here, right? )