[ There's much he could say to all of that, but–

Maruki blinks. Once, twice, three times, rapidly behind his glasses.

Both of his hands rest flat on the kotatsu table. They're perfectly steady, even as he begins to feel unmoored as he so often does in conversations with Akira. ]

I always wondered... and worried, if I'm honest. About how you felt in that school. In Tokyo. [ A smile flickers across his features, doesn't reach his eyes. ] You talked about yourself so rarely. If you'd told me that you felt isolated, I would have tried to help. I hope I can help now.

[ A beat, and he clears his throat, looks askance. ]

Well, at any rate... So, when you awoke to your own power, did that change? Or did you still feel the same way?

[ Disconnected from others around him, in spite of a profound sense of justice, an undeniable desire to help. ]