[ All of this is strange to Aki, who hasn't ever had a lot of friends beyond the people he worked with; because he didn't see the point of it when all his attention was focused on getting revenge. The idea of actually having friendships now is odd enough, and twin that with the strangeness of having some kind of romantic partner and - well.

Maybe he's pouting a little, but he's just confused by the entire situation.

Talking about Denji is a much easier thing, however, and Aki can focus on that because it's comfortable to discuss his friend and leave anything about himself to one side. ]

He's happier here, I'd like to think. It must be better than what's happening to him at home. [ A frown, as his hands tighten over his chest.

Glancing at Yuwon, he frowns. ]

As long as he didn't call me anything like 'mother', that's fine.