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Both are silent for a bit.
“So are you going to say anything?”
“Ah, sorry. Did I make things awkward for a bit there?”
She turned her head to the other direction.
“Just speak.”
“Kashiki, you really have changed a lot.”
Silence from her for a bit.
“Is that so?”
“Yeah. You seen a lot more…”
“Cold?”
“Ah, yes. Cold.”
“Not the first time I’ve gotten that. The warden said that too.”
“I see. So you’re aware of the change.”
“Why are you bringing it up? Are you not fond of me anymore?”
“Ah, that’s not what it is. I was simply bringing up something that I noticed. I actually somewhat prefer this version of you better.”
“What?”
“For a while you seemed to be hiding behind some kind of mask. You didn’t seem to be really showing the real you. I could tell even back then. I just didn’t want to bring it up.”
“…”
“Kazui.”
“Yes?”
“You could tell because you hide too, right?”
“…”
“Hah, it was the same for you too. I guess liars can’t hide in front of other liars.” She looked at him again.
“So, you gonna respond to that?”
“I…guess I can’t say that I’m not hiding.”
“Ever since we all got here, you’ve played the role of a reliable old man. One that the younger ones can look up to, right?”
“Kazui, your mask hasn’t come off yet. You’re still lying at this very moment.”
“…”
“Hah, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. You’ve always been quite sharp, Kashiki.”
“…”
“Kazui, you should take off your mask too. I’ve learned it feels better when you’re not hiding.”
“…”
“I’ll be taking my leave now. I said all that I wanted to.”
“I- I was the one that started the conversation though..?”
He sighed and stared at the ground. “Kashiki. You’re not wrong. However…”
“My situation is a lot different than your’s. It’s not that easy for me.”
But the thought did linger in his mind for a bit after that. Whether he would listen to that thought however, would be up to him.