[The hug is both surprising and it isn't, but at least it's not cold and obligatory like Takatora's was. It's warm, and it's a warmth that surprises him and comforts him. He doesn't deserve this warmth, and he stiffens a little bit, arms hanging at his sides. Even as he tries to focus on what Kouta is saying, it's hard. He doesn't deserve a friend like this.]

It... it wasn't a lie. Those were some of the happiest days of my life. I didn't tell you about my background because I didn't want you to think I was all that different from you. I just...

... I can't get those sorts of days back. The carefree days where we all danced and didn't worry about much of anything, before the world started to crash down on us...

... I'm different. We're all different. The world isn't going to be the same ever again. And part of that is my fault, that no one can have those kinds of days again. That I can't have those days again.

I miss them, Kouta-san. I miss being able to dance like that. We're all... we all have bloody hands. And you're strong enough to be able to carry on hoping. I just have to try to carry the burden. I'm...

[He turns his head away, embarrassed by what's about to come out of his own mouth.]

I'm not that strong. I'm not as strong as I thought I was. I'm not as good at shouldering those things as I wanted to be. And it was my mistake that cost so much. I cant' just flip a switch and say 'I'm okay'.