[ Ah, that name again. Reiji. He'd had his guess, and so there's no surprise reflected in his gaze when it's proven correct. That same, deep-rooted loyalty that he'd caught a glimpse of at the masquerade is on display in front of him once more, but this time, in an honest form.

He's not left with much time to ponder on it, though. Dokja's smile slips off his face when he hears the very word that he'd used against Gen all those months ago come back to haunt him now. The guilt returns to him, heavier than ever, every part of him filled with regret for uttering that word. It feels especially damning hearing it from such a young boy, whose only concerns go to his best friend, and Dokja hastily cuts in. ]

You're not unlovable. Don't listen to him. Don't listen... to anyone who tells you that.

[ Past, present, and future. This time, Dokja does slowly reach out to gently place a hand against Gen's arm. ]

Reiji won't forget you. How could he? [ His voice grows quieter, and there's something deeply personal about what he says next. ] You don't forget the people who are good to you.

[ They leave a mark. They always do. ]