[. . . that draws another laugh from Edamura, though it is much softer this time. full of open affection! and. . . a little bit sheepish]

Yeah, well. I still don't think I'm suited for it, either.

[I'm not a four week kind of guy, he thinks. but two and a half weeks. . . maybe that isn't so bad. . .?]

But hey! I guess that means we can be unsuited for it together.

[and with that, and another gentle squeeze of that hand. . . he presses his own palm against the podium to lock in]