( he pinches one more time, making sure to get a good little squeeze in before pulling his hand away with a smile. he settles his hands in the center of his lap, looking at the other struggle as if he's having the time of his life. there's a reason he's the troublemaker in these games, but there's something about the way he speaks that catches komaeda's attention. he doesn't say it aloud, but yashiro this, stay away from yashiro that — is she his hope? )

To protect her from waste, you can do so much better than that.

( he sighs, lifting a hand as he tries to dismiss his statement. )

I wonder... if you were to lose her, would your hope shine brighter... ( he stares cute hanakokun in the eyes, wondering what expression he'll wear from that statement. ) I doubt it, you'd break apart.

( sighs. )

You have to take care of her so that your hope doesn't break either! I'm counting on you!