That it is. [ His mouth opens and closes. He decides that he shouldn't tell her that she may not like the answers that she happens to come across. But that isn't for him to say; their apathy is of a different nature yet meshes well together. ] Still, if that is your decision, I support you in it.

[ He offers a small nod before turning to look to Ai, noting the sound of paper crumpling. Somehow, even though they are talking, the aisle itself feels quiet. He understands that feeling, too. ] I don't know what it is that I can do for you, but I'll do what I can. Still... since you're already saying that it wouldn't be terrible to feel happy... search for that as well, won't you?

You are already curious and searching, so there is no harm in it. [ He pushes the idea because he thinks he could experience a healthy -- or healthier -- happiness vicariously through someone similar to himself. The only pure happiness he has felt was through a memory by the man that lives in his past. He had purposely tormented a young girl outside the cemetery, just minutes after they buried her father, and watched her misery build until it broke. He had stood watching her cry without offering any comfort and knew the girl's mother sat just feet away, oblivious to her daughter's upset -- which had made it all the sweeter to him.

Kei shudders, fear pouring out of him. That is not the happiness he ever thought he would experience and doesn't like what it hints at for his future. ]