[it's fortunate that Helena knows self control on a deep level, else Maple might have seen the way her hands subtly tightened on each other where she sits. Shin. maybe she means someone else, like how they had multiple boys named Akira, and how there are two Nanamis. it has to be. because the alternative makes her worried for him, that someone is exposing something they shouldn't. a cracked open section that needs to be covered with bandages and hidden under clothes and shielded with someone else's flesh and blood.

she knows how to divert the subject safely.]

Hmm...I don't think I've met anyone named Shin here, but I'm so glad you're finding new friends! Truly, there's so much I hadn't gotten to experience either before I was here - things like a proper snow day, and how to use a computer, and some people have been so kind as to help me learn to cook for myself.

[and, being able to sleep in a room with friends, and to feel a little safer when she does.]

It seems that what we lack, be it companionship or experiences, there's at least some opportunity here to mend that. I know we've only just met, but I'd be happy to talk to you whenever you like!

[there. they've walked away from something that might have made her blood run cold if her suspicions were validated.]