[It certainly would beat blaming any one person for their troubles, that's for damn sure. They might have been in a better position had they ignored those messages, but the core issue would've remained.

Them not seeing eye to eye once again. It seems like this is happening more and more frequently, and that worries him. Although at the same time it's heartening, because they're at least trying to communicate their woes rather than ignoring them like before they were a couple. Doesn't make it much easier, though.]

Hiyori...

[Feeling his heart move into his throat, he tries to swallow it back down. For once an overwhelming sense of frustration threatens to overwhelm him, leading him to dropping his hands as they form fists by his sides.

Is he happy? Truly happy?

The answer right now is a resounding "no", but that's because Hiyori's upset. Outside of that, however... What if he is? Wouldn't that make her even more unhappy? But then she said to not think of her or anyone else. It's like asking him not to breathe, though! So much of his happiness is tied up in hers, whether she likes it or not.

Letting out a frustrated noise, he shakes his head. His gaze remains firmly fixed on the ground between them as his shoulders up and his finger flexing helplessly.]

I am, when I'm with you. It doesn't matter what struggles we might face, be it kaiju or weird tension from our friends. I just... need to be by your side, Hiyori.