[ His eyes narrow when he's called, scanning Suguru for the nth time—he hasn't stopped scanning him over and over, truthfully. He heard that voice call his name all the time before, then not too long ago, now it plagues him. The question that follows has his lips press into a finer line, hiding gritted teeth.

How is a miserable question so grating? ]

I do.

[ It only takes a couple of strides before he's right in front of him, eyes still locked onto Suguru's. He grabs his wrist tightly, thumb pressed against his pulse as if rhythm alone can confirm his best friend's identity. The shape of him will have to be enough.

Grumbling, he looks off to the side... ]

We're the strongest, so it'll be extremely annoying for me if you bailed. Just don't, got it? Or I'll beat you up and tear through your research papers.

[ The threat has little heat, but the core of it all is sincere. ]