[the gentle nudge draws Edamura's gaze up again. for a moment, he is silent, allowing himself time to absorb those words. to let them permeate through his bitter thoughts, tunneling through to the other side where something. . . a little less hurt, a little less painful, exists]

[. . . and then he slings an arm around Rom's shoulders, rocking into him with nearly the full force of his body weight, open and affectionate. he is being mindful of the coffee!!]

You're a nice guy, Rom.

[listening. offering counsel. carrying that baggage just as promised, even if it's heavy]

If it helps. . . ! I got my revenge on the asshole a few months after that. Nothing violent, but—

[a small huff as he settles]

. . . despite everything, he and I are a bit more even now.

[he has yet to forgive. but at the very least. . . he is more capable of it now than he was before]