It did, but...I guess, in a way, I was flattered? [A slight shrug.] Hm. Sometimes you know a person for a long time and yet, it's like you don't even know them at all. And yet, with you...

[He frowns to himself - does he really know Kei? Really? It's clear that Kei isn't a stranger. Kei means something to him, makes him feel comfortable in dark times, but does he know him?]

[Isn't that dangerous, to put so much trust in a man whose thoughts are something he has yet to fully understand? It's foolish, and yet...Kei wouldn't hurt him, right? He wouldn't. He really wouldn't...]

[He closes his eyes.]

I trust you. [Because that's what it comes down to. He may not know Kei really, but that feeling is, at the very least, real.] I do, I do...

[His breath slows - after a moment, it should be apparent that Howard has completely fallen asleep on Kei's shoulder.]