[It's honestly a bit frightening, seeing Ayumu acting so fragile. But more than that, it's heartbreaking. It's not right. It shouldn't be like this.
But in a situation like this, Souji knows instinctively what to to. Unlike her, he's no longer floundering, no longer quite so unsure of himself and who he is as he had been at his very first arrival. Hijikata's presence has helped ground him too.
So he smiles, gently and kindly, because he has to be strong for her. She might not remember who he is, but he knows that she is a friend, someone he respects greatly. When people like that falter, you're supposed to provide a solid place to stand.]
It's alright. It's really confusing at first, right? [Unbidden, he crouches down and deftly starts gathering up the things she's dropped. Partly to be helpful, and partly because... the way she looks right now, he somehow wants to pose as little of a threat as possible, though he's not sure why. He doesn't want to think too closely about it, either.] It'll get better with time.
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But in a situation like this, Souji knows instinctively what to to. Unlike her, he's no longer floundering, no longer quite so unsure of himself and who he is as he had been at his very first arrival. Hijikata's presence has helped ground him too.
So he smiles, gently and kindly, because he has to be strong for her. She might not remember who he is, but he knows that she is a friend, someone he respects greatly. When people like that falter, you're supposed to provide a solid place to stand.]
It's alright. It's really confusing at first, right? [Unbidden, he crouches down and deftly starts gathering up the things she's dropped. Partly to be helpful, and partly because... the way she looks right now, he somehow wants to pose as little of a threat as possible, though he's not sure why. He doesn't want to think too closely about it, either.] It'll get better with time.