Then I will assume it is a passing phase, common when we are of this age. Nothing more. [But he knows that's not true, that dismissing this could be a grave error. He knows what position he has placed himself in upon admitting the status of his relationship with Kaori, had seen firsthand how someone courting could act in a bout of jealousy. And he knows how offended he himself would be if someone trivialized his treasured relationships that way, platonic or romantic.

So why was he doing it? To bait Mithos? No, that wasn't it. He wouldn't do that when it came to matters that could do easily wound the heart. Perhaps this was his own way of further discovering the extent of Mithos' care, and more than anything what sort of person he would be toward her, with the way he will react.

Whatever it may be, he knows that when it comes to people he valued so deeply there was no room for error.] If you don't need me to explain, I will believe you when you say she is a dear friend. Some people have episodes when they find their friends in a different light, but it might be nothing more than a passing thought.