[ The squeeze is so tight that it nearly makes it hard to breathe, but it doesn't distress him. If anything, it's a sign. His friend is there there - he said something about always being at his side, right? So now it's all up to him. Is Aoba the type of person who'll take this and... what, what's he supposed to do with this?

It makes him mad, being left to decide what to do. Some part of him questions if there's something he's done to warrant this, some way he's led him on. Some way he's... cheated. Resentment comes hot on the heels of that repugnant thought that twists inside him like a sour stomach and he finds himself grinding his teeth at Karamatsu's back, his eyes hot and stinging.

How could he do this to me? How could I do that to him? What did I do?

Around and around that cycle goes, with him being mad at Karamatsu's selfishness, and then turning his own accusations inward, deflecting them internally and then it starts all over again. ]

You kept asking me why I am the way I am with you... but what am I supposed to...?

[ Aoba's voice is low and shaking and he loses his nerve almost as soon as he's started speaking. His hands grip his knees tightly, then he reaches out and pats a balled up fist against his shoulder. It's a hit, but it's too light. He's hitting him like a child might - pat, pat pat, too weak but expressing his frustration nevertheless. ]

You idiot! Just how are you supposed to quit liking someone this way?! That's stupid!!