[ His wish is important, certainly. One of the main reasons he came here in the first place. But if it doesn't come true, well ... he'll just continue working hard on his own, doing what he can. Same old, same old.

But if he could support Edamura in making the choice to help someone else -- that'd be different. He wants that gratification.

The thought has him grinning, and he leans in a little, lowers his voice to a conspiratorial murmur. Ominous in his usual fashion: ]

Soooo?

[ The brim of his hat taps against the crown of Edamura's head with the way he looms close. ]

Was there something you wanted to do during the week we have left, Makoto-san? ... unfortunately a private hot spring is still off the menu despite your wishes [ hehe ] but if there's something else you'd like to do, and the production team is amenable, I'd like to do it.