[When Hinata says he hasn't left the pod room, Komaeda's smile falters a bit. Hasn't it been months? And that whole time... how many hours, how many days, were spent by his unmoving side? Komaeda feels his chest tighten as unease twists his stomach into knots.

This whole time, while he's been uselessly stuck inside that dream, Hinata has been wasting his life. It feels like a hot knife has been stabbed into his back, and guilt is rising up around him like a black muck that threatens to suck him down into that horrible pit of despair.

He's not worthy of such dedication. Hinata says it's fine, says it's ok that he did what he did, but Komaeda knows better. He knows that it's only a matter of time until Hinata will hate him, or worse, his luck will affect him.

Komaeda doesn't realize the way his grip has tightened on Hinata's shoulder, not until they're within the mess hall. He doesn't mention the lights either, he just lets Hinata lead him to an open chair, before he slides down into it. Even just a centimeter apart, Komaeda misses the feeling of support, of care—but it's also a relief. He leans his head back, exhaling a quiet sigh.]

Yeah, I still like toast...

[He responds, before finding the strength to pull his head back up again. He watches Hinata's back, quiet, contemplating. The question itches at the back of his mind, incessant, and normally he would ignore it. Or justify it himself. But right now, it's just too much.]

Hey... why didn't you just enjoy your freedom? You didn't have to sit with me all the time, you know... That must've been boring.