_{[ His outward signs of flinching and grimacing are physical signs that Karamatsu wouldn't ever have the balls to show other people even if he feels like running away from them the most. His dry lips curve downward in a frown as he studies Ichimatsu, the image of him curled up in a ball burning in his mind. He hesitates for a moment, but then places his hands on Ichimatsu's wrists, attempting to pull his hands away from his head. ]}

That isn't true. On the Eluvio and even here.. I'm realizing what you are saying to me is because you're trying to protect me. Protect me from Bajikan.. protect me from the people here.
_{[ a beat. ]}

And that is not hateful. It's.. noble. It's.. something I wish I could do better. You and I we're.. kind of alike, aren't we?
_{[ there, he said it. ]}