See, when you say stuff like that, it kind of makes the idea of the two of them being particularly good friends seem maybe not totally right? But at the same time, would he really be so upset if that were the case...? Probably not, Shinji thinks. Maybe something that stings, yeah, but nothing that would bring someone like Kai to him in such a state.

Good friends it is, then.

He shifts again, this time letting both of his hands come to a rest squarely at Kai's shoulders, as if to give him a little extra grounding.

"It really sucks."

Doesn't it?