( there's something about this family and those hidden goals of theirs, that need to do something to reach the heights that they wish to achieve. for a moment, komaeda's mind reels back to when he asked if rokkun would be able to graduate, and that was denied. now, properly listening to the other having something they wish to gain, he wonders if they'll go as far as their brother. the way rokkun goes about it doesn't seem wrong to komaeda, but the two have their differences just as well as they have their similarities.

his lips purse into a straight line, and he doesn't move from his spot as the other leans against him. )

You sound just like...

( he inhales softly, closing his eyes as he tries to vaguely remember how rokkun himself says it — are arata's always so sure of themselves? must run in the family... is that a bloodline thing, or does it stem from their subconscious. )

Someone who hasn't lost hope. ( he sighs, managing a smile. ) You have me until I die, besides... hope isn't about being alone, the bonds you make will also benefit...

( rokkun didn't have many friends it seems, or he chose the worst people to be around... he said people only looked up to him — admired him, never loved him. that sort of response from others towards npc-kun should be different, apparently that too feeds into hope. at one point, he also said he wished he could be loved, so if he can't be then... )

...so make friends while you're at it.