[ ...Well, he won't push the matter if it causes Chuuya discomfort, but there is a brief look of concern across his face before he speaks. ]

Is that how you saw it—?

[ he shakes his head. ]

Mercedes would go on to spend hours trying to teach me her own skills afterward. We learned to rely on each other so that we might both become stronger.

...There are certainly some people who would take advantage of kindness, but there is no shame on leaning on someone's shoulder for support—or offering it in kind.

[ Wanting to help people doesn't make someone a pushover. Not everyone is a parasite. That sort of mindset is too much bad will for him to accept. ]