[ souji had been expecting this to go the same way it usually does, with kondou-san refusing what he just said instead of accepting it as the truth, like he'd always believed it to be. for a moment there, he looks completely surprised, and then everything in him relaxes. it brings about a sigh of relief that he didn't know he was holding back.
there's even a small smile on his face by now. ]
It was my choice to put up with all of that, Kondou-san. [ a beat. ] I don't really regret doing so.
[ even if he'd gone about it the wrong way, he was still of some use to the man he loves most, right? that's all that really matters to him in the end. ]
If you don't regret it, I suppose I cannot protest on those grounds. Even so...
[ He can't help but frown. It's not exactly the the most heartening admission on either of their parts, mostly Kondou's. Still, there's more to it than that, and he has to admit as much if they're to continue going forward. ]
Perhaps it's simply difficult for me to accept that you've grown up. I still think of you as that young boy who would always cling to my haori!
[ what kondou-san just said earns him a small chuckle, and souji's expression softens even more. it's just like kondou-san to get all nostalgic at a time like this. ]
I've grown much stronger than that kid from the past. [ stronger, sure. better? he doesn't really know. ] But I can cling to your haori again, if you'd let me.
[ he doesn't mean it literally.
he'd just like to have the chance to stay by his side, for as long as he's allowed to. ]
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there's even a small smile on his face by now. ]
It was my choice to put up with all of that, Kondou-san. [ a beat. ] I don't really regret doing so.
[ even if he'd gone about it the wrong way, he was still of some use to the man he loves most, right? that's all that really matters to him in the end. ]
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[ He can't help but frown. It's not exactly the the most heartening admission on either of their parts, mostly Kondou's. Still, there's more to it than that, and he has to admit as much if they're to continue going forward. ]
Perhaps it's simply difficult for me to accept that you've grown up. I still think of you as that young boy who would always cling to my haori!
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I've grown much stronger than that kid from the past. [ stronger, sure. better? he doesn't really know. ] But I can cling to your haori again, if you'd let me.
[ he doesn't mean it literally.
he'd just like to have the chance to stay by his side, for as long as he's allowed to. ]
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[ After a moment his amusement fades, however, to be replaced by a small but warm smile. ]
Yes you have, Souji. And I am proud of you for that.