Lessons in Connection

It would just be a normal, universal thing that anyone could feel about anyone.

But—

"Eh, not really? I like him, but I wouldn't care if he hated me. I mean, it's just Ragar."

"…What?! H-how come?!"

"Because it's Ragar," Georgio repeated nonchalantly. "If it's not you, Master, then I don't really care."

Rocco froze.

That was not the answer he had been expecting.

His jaw practically hit the floor as he flailed backward in disbelief.

No way—he was back to square one! His mind reeled as he slumped over in despair, shrinking into himself.

Georgio, watching Rocco's reaction with a puzzled tilt of his head, suddenly wrapped his arms around him in a firm, comforting hug.

…Was he trying to console him?

T-thanks, Georgio…

Hearing Georgio's gentle voice ask, "What's wrong?" only made the confusion in Rocco's head bubble over.

Before he could stop himself, he blurted out everything.