[ His sight leaves Hinata before his face slightly turns, still wearing a pleasant enough expression. ]

It's not the same as a partner. A partner's someone you trust in completely and work with. They're more than a pet.

[ His tone shifts somewhat as he explains it, losing its casual attitude for something more factual. And then in the next moment, he chuckles lightly, half-shrugging at one shoulder before looking back to Hinata. ]

They're some of my best friends, so comparing them to pets isn't right. We're more serious than that. [ Such an uncomfortable word these days... ]