( what is komaeda here for? the flush on his cheeks is bright against his pale skin, the way his eyes light up from the comment as his right hand lays over his heart. )

They're just stepping stones for you and everyone else to overcome...

( he says it like an obvious declaration until his arms drop down towards his sides, while his fingers flex out — one hand silent, but the other playing a soft whirr of its mechanical parts moving. he means this, he really does, and if the way add's eyes stared into the void wasn't enough to influence komaeda's decision, he makes sure to point it out. his own eyes gaze gently at the ever-consuming void, watching as it swirls and pools into the floor without stopping. )

My hope is still here — ( quickly, his eyes remove from the void, to peering at add himself. ) You'll find purpose throughout all of this...

( how does he explain his thinking, because trash like him doesn't deserve hope, and instead, he'll help advance others, nurture them even if they don't ask for it. as long as someone around him has hope, his interest, his wants, and his feelings are all rooted into them — that's enough for komaeda to live freely, to walk with purpose on his own. )

Your interest in the void is just the start, and once you find the answer... you'll proceed further, because this won't be your end.