It's not —

[ considering he views nonon and rin as similar in methodology and general rationale, it kind of makes disturbing sense to makoto that they'd know each other.

but that's not the point??? the resignation evident in makoto's pinched frown should make it evident that he is all too acquainted with one shark-toothed redhead. shoulders drooping, he scrubs absentmindedly at his face, trying to mentally bleach the memories from recall. forgetting that entire affair would be easier on his psyche, but life is never that fair. ]

It's not like that. [ his voice flatlines, lacking inflection. ] I care about Haru. I do. But I didn't want to force anything, especially when neither of us were feeling like ourselves. I know Rin did it because Haru's happiness matters to him, too, but ... I couldn't face him directly. Nonon, he couldn't even keep his eyes open, much less keep up a conversation with me. Staring at him like that, well — ... I think it would've bothered him, too.

[ makoto exhales, attempting a halfhearted smile that almost immediately dissipates. ]

It wasn't how I hoped it'd be. That's all.