[ Even if this was a romance movie, they have the comfort that this isn't Dusk. As detached as he would like to be from the conversation to keep composure, dread still rises with each second. Maybe they should head back? Should he crack a joke? Lighten the mood... This itching anxiety nips at him constantly, at least until Goro starts chastising him. It at first slightly irritates him, so his expression visibly twists with knitted eyebrows and gritted teeth for a second, but falls into a soft smile when he realizes how comfortable that made him feel. ]

I wasn't ready for a lecture, gold digger.

[ Letting out a shaky sigh, he lets his shoulders drop as if all the weight has been lifted. Unlike Goro, Akira has no qualms with his lack of friends. It doesn't bother him, so he can mention it as a matter of fact: ]

I actually don't have many friends, so that means a lot... Thanks.

[ It's weird to not feel disappointment. Life really is changing. ]