Sweet Hokuto, she puts up with so much out of him sometimes. The problem is that it's not her burden too this time, at least it shouldn't be. Hokuto isn't just his sister. She's also Akaya's bandmate and friend, and this conversation places her in an awkward position. It was thoughtless and self-indulgent to engage her with these questions. Moreover, he doesn't get to see Hokuto very often. He doesn't want to squander it dwelling on things she shouldn't be involved with. This was their time.
And, if any further reason were needed to put an end to this unbecoming behavior, it's unproductive to say anything further on the issue. If Akaya seeing anyone else is really such a problem, that's not something to be addressed with angsting over dinner. He can do something about it or accept it and shut up. There are no other options.
He squeezes Hokuto's hand.
"No. There isn't any meaning in continuing this conversation. Let's change the subject."
It doesn’t need to have a meaning, Hokuto wants to say. Feelings don’t always make sense, and if they’re messy and upsetting, then why not acknowledge that? She thinks Seiichi tries too hard to push those feelings aside, when what he ought to do is talk about them and work them out.
But she can’t force him to talk if he doesn’t want to, and he will deal with things as he always has. Sometimes, she wishes he’d let her in. She squeezes his hand back, careful not to let her disappointment show.
no subject
And, if any further reason were needed to put an end to this unbecoming behavior, it's unproductive to say anything further on the issue. If Akaya seeing anyone else is really such a problem, that's not something to be addressed with angsting over dinner. He can do something about it or accept it and shut up. There are no other options.
He squeezes Hokuto's hand.
"No. There isn't any meaning in continuing this conversation. Let's change the subject."
no subject
But she can’t force him to talk if he doesn’t want to, and he will deal with things as he always has. Sometimes, she wishes he’d let her in. She squeezes his hand back, careful not to let her disappointment show.
“Okay.”