Aoba:

I’m home! (he heads upstairs)

Ren:

Aoba.

Aoba:

Ah, Ren. I’m home.

Ren:

Welcome home. There’s something I’d like to talk about.

Aoba:

Heh? Hah, but it’s almost dinner time.

Ren:

It won’t take long. Please.

Aoba:

Huh? It’s fine, but what happened? You’re making a scary face.

Ren:

Mh…

Aoba:

Nnh, got it. Granny! I’ll be in my room until dinner’s ready!

Tae:

Got it!

Aoba:

Then, let’s go.

Ren:

I’m sorry.

Aoba:

It’s fine. Come on. (they go to his room, Aoba sits on his bed) Then, go on.

Ren:

Mmh…

Aoba:

Anyway, it’s strange…for you to ask a favor looking like that.

Ren:

It’s something I have to speak with you about no matter what. And then there’s a different thing that I have to tell you.

Aoba:

Hm?

Ren:

Today, when I was out shopping for Tae…I met Takumi.

Aoba:

Takumi?

Ren:

Yeah. The thing that I have to tell you is a message from Takumi. Please reply to his invitation. That’s what he said.

Aoba:

Ah, I sent him a reply when I was on my way home. I told him I’d go tomorrow once I’m off work.

Ren:

Ah–

Aoba:

Ren?

Ren:

…Next is…what I wanted to talk to you about. Aoba…

Aoba:

Ah?

Ren:

I…don’t want you to meet with Takumi.

Aoba:

Heh? What’s with that all of a sudden?

Ren:

Mmh…

Aoba:

Seriously, what happened, Ren? Did he say something to you when you met him today?

Ren:

No…

Aoba:

Then, did something happen?

Ren:

Nothing in particular. We only spoke.

Aoba:

What’s with that? All right. But…then why?

Ren:

Ah…I don’t have any particular reason. It’s just…I think it’s best if you don’t see Takumi again.

Aoba:

Hm…so it’s just intuition?

Ren:

Today when I spoke with Takumi, that’s what I felt. He’s…I can’t quite explain it, but there’s something that feels off about him.

Aoba:

Hm…is that right?

Ren:

Aoba…

Aoba:

Well, I definitely know that you’re worried for me, Ren. I’m glad for that, but you don’t have to be that vigilant.

Ren:

But…

Aoba:

I definitely didn’t do anything good with that guy back in the day, but even still for me…well, I can’t really talk.

Ren:

Mmh…

Aoba:

At least, the impression I got from talking with him is that he’s not that bad of a guy.

Ren:

I see…

Aoba:

Even if I’m going out for drinks it’s not like I’m going to get taken in by him. You don’t have to worry that much.

Ren:

Even still–I’m telling you I don’t want you to go. What will you do?

Aoba:

Huh?

Ren:

I understand how you feel. However, I still feel that you shouldn’t see Takumi. Please don’t meet with him tomorrow.

Aoba:

Mmh…Ren. Really, what happened? You’ve never been this forceful about anything before, right?

Ren:

Yeah…however, at least this time I don’t want to back down. No matter what–it may just be needless anxiety, but I don’t want you to go.

Aoba:

Mmh. If you’ll say that much it’s not that I don’t think you feel that way, but I already made a promise. If I turn him down now, I’ll be pulling out at the last minute. He’s probably got plans, so I can’t just do that, right?

Ren:

Mmh…mhm.

Aoba:

I don’t know why you’re so guarded against Takumi, but you don’t know why yourself either, do you?

Ren:

In any case, I can only say that I have a bad premonition.

Aoba:

Then…for that…come on, I told you before. It’s because you’re jealous. If it’s like that…

Ren:

Mmh…jealousy…?

Aoba:

Mhm. Then, it’s not like I’m saying you’re being unreasonable*. It’s just since you don’t even know why you’re so guarded, I thought that might be it.

Ren:

No–that’s not it–Aoba…Please take what I’m saying a little more seriously!

Aoba:

Ngh…I’m taking you seriously. But…I don’t think Takumi’s that bad of a guy. Plus…I already told him I’d go out drinking. It’d be bad if I turned him down now.

Ren:

Certainly I’m at fault for not explaining myself clearly. However, in the worst case scenario I’d be too late! You should do your best to avoid escapable dangers.

Aoba:

Danger–? He’s someone I used to know. There’s no way it’s like that! You–you’re talking like you did when you were an AllMate.

Ren:

Ah…

Aoba:

I know you’re supposed to take steps against dangerous things like traffic accidents or fires, but relationships aren’t that clear cut. You know that much, don’t you?

Ren:

But…

Aoba:

I’m glad that you’re worried for me. But I’ll be fine. Or if you’re that worried, do you want to come along?

Ren:

That’s…

Aoba:

No?

Ren:

…Going to a place crowded with people…I’m still unsuited to it.

Aoba:

Mhm.

Ren:

I’ve mostly adapted to shopping or walks, but to have so many people’s attention on me…I don’t know what I would do. When we spoke to Yoshie-san and the others, it was the same way.

Aoba:

Sorry. I said too much. There’s no need for you to push yourself.

Ren:

Mmh…

Aoba:

Anyway, it’s fine. I’ll do my best to get home quickly. All right?

(Ren makes a worried sound, Aoba hugs him)

Aoba:

Ren, I’m asking you. Okay?

Ren:

Mmh…if…you’ve said as much…

Aoba:

It’s nothing. It’s fine. Come on, don’t look so sad.

Ren:

Yeah…

Tae:

You two, it’s dinner time! Come down!

Aoba:

Ah, Granny’s calling. Let’s go. (he gets up and heads downstairs)

Ren:

Mmh… (he gets up and follows after)