[ She isn't wrong. Maruki does know the difference. He does have the sense, the knowledge. He's tired of having them.

It's necessary, though. For Akira's sake more than anything else. He's quiet, focusing on the hike, sipping his coffee, trying to calm the tempest in his mind that threatens to reform every time he thinks a little too long about that blank look in Akira's eyes. Finally: ]

It won't change how I treat him. He's exactly as I remember him, and nothing could keep me away. We'll become close again, I'm sure. Maybe even closer than before.

[ If it's possible for words to sound both earnest and exhausted, they do. Maruki means it. He's just– tired. ]

Anyhow. I hope you like him when you meet him. He really is one of the most remarkable people I've ever known.