Ritsuka wished he didn't have to hurt people's feelings in order to be independent. Soubi was always asking him to let him in and Ritsuka never did. He couldn't, really, because anyone who came too close could eventually hurt him. It was the same with Sheena. She was so eager to help that Ritsuka knew he'd regret it if he learned to lean on her for support. One day, she'd be gone and he'd be at a loss for what to do. Sort of like how he was now that Soubi was still AWOL.

"I already said it's fine, so don't worry about it." Now he just felt awkward. Staring down at his feet, Ritsuka shuffled his toe against the ground and hooked his fingers around the straps of the backpack. "...I don't like being hugged. It's not your fault."