“Don’t worry. I don’t have any friends either.”
“&h.e.l.lip;&h.e.l.lip;huh?”
His sudden attempt to comfort him made Tatsumi’s mouth drop in surprise.
“Honestly, I don’t really understand those so-called human relationships. I don’t have friends, or coworkers, but that’s because I don’t believe they’re necessary.”
Tatsumi closed his open mouth at the words he told him clearly. He didn’t think his words were accusing him of being weak. He just felt overwhelmed by his strength. Kusamakura’s words were full of nuances that sounded like there was once a time he had also felt that same loneliness.
“&h.e.l.lip;&h.e.l.lip;I wonder if I’ll ever be able to think that way.”
If there were people who could overcome their loneliness and hardships, then he could try doing his best as well. When he lifted his determined face, he felt something touch the top of his head. He reached out his hand to figure out what was touching his head. As soon has he felt the cool of skin he tensed. His head was being stroked. Kusamakura may have been petting Tatsumi’s head like child because he looked helpless to him. However, Tatsumi was embarra.s.sed by how unexpectedly comforting that was to him.
![]()