Don't worry, I won't.

[ That's a lie that he tells himself; something that looks like it's the truth but actually isn't. Whether he's just hiding it very well or has just simply convinced himself that... is a little difficult to tell, but when Naegi says those words, there's something--

Something that swells in his chest as he wears a soft smile of his own.

He's trying, at least. ]

I wouldn't mind the help, at least. It'll be nice to have you around again. I'll still pay you for your time, you know.

[ There's no way that he wouldn't. After all, they're friends. ]

Well, he must've seen the hope in you... so that's why...