[ even accounting for makoto's bleeding heart and predisposition for pacifism, he'd likely take her side. granted, he'd probably end killed off like another casualty in a world where people as young as adolescents were brought before kangaroo courts and sentenced to grotesque theme parks doubling as prisons, but there's only bewilderment skittering like marbles over his features as he flinches back — quickly turning his head away, struck by his words. ]

I ... I didn't mean to assume. I'm sorry.

[ he doesn't bother to gauge haru's reaction, pulling away fast from them both, keeping his eyes pinned to the concrete flooring.

silence permeates, at first. and then, breathy and uncertain: ] I just — I think there's good in everyone. It'd be a little sad if we doubted every single person we met just because we didn't know them.

It's not like I think everyone here is obligated to be kind or anything. But if we can assist each other, why shouldn't we? In the end, we're all here for the same reason. And alone, we won't be able to change anything, but together ... we could figure out how to fix things here and return home.

Isn't that enough of a reason to help others?