“Yeah… I’ll think about it.” He honestly wasn’t sure where he and Shinji stood, at this point. He would never think of breaking ties with his old friend, despite the words that they had exchanged. But what he had just learned about Shinji wasn’t exactly easy to take in, either. He needed time to sort it all out – they both did.

Akihiko shook his head dismissively. “Don’t worry about me.” He rose from his seat and headed toward the front door. “Want me to walk you back to your cabin?”