[ he's quiet for a moment, as if digesting everything that arakita's so tactfully said, before murmuring quietly, ]

I see. So it's like that.

[ it's starting to make sense. between what arakita said back then, while their inhibitions were compromised, and what he's saying now, combined with the fact that he's not spiteful enough to take up that offer of 'an eye for an eye' -- arakita is probably a pessimist out of self-defense. operating on a lurking fear of betrayal and a lack of confidence, puffing himself up aggressively to hide it.

understandable, if tremendously irritating to deal with.

kakyoin sighs softly before speaking up, his tone of voice calm. ]

Believe what you will, then. But I'm going to give you one piece of advice. Doubt people all you want, but if you're proven wrong -- if someone does come to your aid and considers themselves your ally -- don't aggravate them just because you have no faith in people. At that point, you'll have a hard time being fine for too long. Even you would know better than to throw away resources that you've acquired, correct?

[ there's a pause before he seems to remember something and adds, ]

And -- my name is Noriaki Kakyoin. I'd ask if you're perhaps unfamiliar with the concept of names, but surely even you're not that crass, Arakita. [ which he only knows thanks to arakita's own inbox message. thanks! ] If you're ever in danger and shout for an 'idiot' to come help you, you won't get a response. So learn to use names.

[ i.e. 'maybe i'll come help your sorry ass.' this has basically become a tsundere-off, goddammit arakita. ]