midn

This is Oripathy we're talking about... My worries don't compare at all.

Right, it's a tad bit more worrying.

In Higashi, I left behind most of my savings and arranged someone to send them money every month. It was more than enough for them to live out their remaining years in comfort.

If you were even half as amazing as you're saying you were, you wouldn't need to work for your treatment money.

Money can be earned again. Besides, my greatest asset is me myself.

But it's like you said... Do you think your parents care more about you or money? If your family still writes to you, isn't that more than enough to show that they don't just want money?

Even I have questions I can't answer, Orchid.

Honestly, it's not up to us to worry about what your parents think about.

I think both Spot and I are more worried about how you feel yourself.

*Sigh*.

If I have to have a question... I suppose it's a very simple one.

If someone hasn't been home for nearly two decades, is there really a need for him to go back?

What? Are you scared?

Scared? I'm the Devil of the Eastern Night.

Perhaps there are a few problems that I'm not very willing to face.

Are you afraid to go home? Do you maybe regret the decision you made all those years ago?

What is there to regret when I have lived such a splendid life, free of control?

So you're worried they still don't accept you?

When I was in my teens, I suppose I merely wanted the approval of those dearest to me, just like the young man we met today.

But I got over that long ago.

You're starting to lose me.

I suppose... my real fear is...

Never mind. No matter what I do now, it might already be too late.

Look at me rambling on and on. The sun is about to rise. Why not hit the pub for another round?

Am I allowed to say no?

I would wager you don't actually want to say no.

Fine. That's a bet you'd win, for once.

But let me make one thing clear. If you end up drinking too much, I'm not carrying you back to the dorm.

Oh, so heartless now? This pains me.

Know what, I'll pass...

Don't say I didn't warn you. You shouldn't drink too much before you go on a long trip.

Uhh... Did I ever say I was going on a long trip?

In your own words? It's not so bad to look back every now and then.

Look back, huh...

Your terminal's still on. Looks like that message is starting to play again...

I'll see you tomorrow, my dear partner.

Hey, I told you already. I don't understand a lick of Higashinese!

Also, if you're going to take a break, don't forget to tell Orchid. I don't want to get any of your work.

Phew...

Voice message.

Yoru-kun, your father made it this long because he wants to see you again.

He would never say anything, but I know. He wants to tell you the same thing I do.

We just want to tell you...

...we're sorry.

Sorry...?

Haha... What was I so afraid of...?

If you've apologized, then... I have no reason to avoid going home?

A ticket to Higashi...

Well, I suppose I'll write back before I buy it.