To be fair, it was hard to tell when you were serious or teasing. Calling me nii-chan gave the wrong impression, too.

[ People can joke all they want, but he's sincerely not into that.

He does like to dote though, he can see where the wires got crossed. ]

Their strengths are different from yours, but that doesn't mean you're lesser than them.

[ That's enough about that, though ]

Mm. I just told you I take these things seriously. I wouldn't joke about it, nor would I say it if I didn't think we had a chance. I do think we should get to know each other better in general though.

[ What feelings they have aren't really based on much given the three months or so they've known each other and this was very spur of the moment during a very emotionally vulnerable time. They both probably needed to take a step back and think rationally. Rantaro certainly was capable of returning his feelings but it might take a bit to feel secure in that.

They've both been hurt before. He doesn't want to hurt Kokichi more. ]