[ Makoto wouldn't give his soft heart up for the world, even with all of the extra pain and scarring that comes with it. He's forsaken it before, but he's long since learned that isn't a long term solution. Maybe it's that he senses that part of Tenn on some level after the conversations they've had, or maybe he can't help himself when he sees someone hurting that really doesn't deserve any of this.

He still wishes he had a better answer. ]

The truth is... sometimes there is no way to know what to do.

[ He can't help looking over at him, expression having a hard time staying neutral. ]

I'll be honest, I know how this feels-- wanting to shove everyone away, maybe you feel dumb for letting yourself trust someone. But I promise you that you aren't. People... have their own views of the world, their own goals, even if they genuinely care about you. That... doesn't make it right, but it doesn't make you wrong either.

... I'll see you as my friend, whether you still consider me one or not.