It's not really pessimism when I know exactly how she is. [ it's like a gentle correction, but he's pretty sure of this. he does appreciate the support though. ] But...that's a good way looking at it. There's been a lot that's happened here that's been worse than trying to tell a girl I like her. I got through all of that. And in the end...there're a lot of people here I still care about, too.

[ so at least he can fall back on that, he thinks. being here in a place where so many people actually are kind to him and care about him will never not surprise him, but he's grown much better at accepting it and returning affections. but...moving onward. ]

...what about you though? You have to have someone waiting for you somewhere, don't you? [ like. dion is objectively (to shoma) still a very good person. he'd be fucking shocked if this dude was single. ]