"Sakuta..." Kengo reached out as soon as Ryusei turned away, pushing his chair back to reach out for the other. His reaction had been faster than the last time, where he had missed, this time making sure to tightly grasp the other boy's wrist so he wouldn't walk away. Kengo didn't bother to stand up, but he tilted his head back to look up at him.

What was he supposed to say? Everything seemed so uncomfortable between them, even though Kengo was starting to realize that he considered Ryusei a close friend. So... What was causing the constant, awkward energy between them?

"Don't apologize." Kengo lightly tugged on the other's arm to pull him back in. "I'd prefer if you stayed." ... it almost felt as though Ryusei was trying to avoid him, as much as the other kept ducking out of the room. Was he forcing himself to be nice, for some reason? Maybe Ryusei genuinely disliked him...

"I just want you to tell me the truth. ... if something's bothering you."