I'm not asking for much! All you need to do is avoid shouting about us from the rooftops. That should be easy enough, no? Though I do understand wanting to brag to absolutely everyone. That you, Elan-kun, were held by the beautiful Hiyori Tomoe...♪

[Elan should feel free to smack him for that comment. And for a lot of other comments. But he does stop joking around after that, so he can give Elan's words the proper consideration they deserve. Elan's past weighs on him, he admits, but he's not about to collapse under that weight—that's a good thing, isn't it?]

Mhm. Makes sense to me.

[Maybe it makes too much sense. He gives Elan a bit more space, his palms pressing against the warm sides of his mug again, and he sounds all too knowing when he says:]

The past won't ever go away. But as long as you're alive, you can build a brighter future for yourself. One filled with things you love.

[Including a version of yourself you love.]