[Shuichi, of course, has an argument for this. Yes, he had meant every word of what he'd said then. And he still stands by it, even now. But...there are factors now that complicate the situation, that alter his opinion in a way...]
[What would Kaede do in this situation? Or even Kaito, if this were anyone other than Kokichi. The two of them so much better at this sort of thing than he is. Shuichi just wants to explain himself, to calmly and rationally refute what Kokichi is saying and show him exactly HOW he's wrong. Show him why things aren't as straightforward as they seem. But with the other in this state...that's not really an option. No matter how sound and rational his argument is, chances are high that Kokichi won't process a word of it.]
[Kaede and Kaito always made him feel strong when he was at his weakest...assured when he was directionless and lost...hopeful when he could only feel despair...]
[How can he do that same thing, now, for Kokichi?]
......
[Slowly, Shuichi leans forward and wraps his arms around the smaller boy. This definitely isn't the approach Kaito would take, but it's better to emulate Kaede in this situation, he thinks. Kaito's usual method of dealing with Kokichi is to ignore him and that...that's definitely not the right answer. He's not sure that was ever the right answer.]
[It's not really the best hug, given that Kokichi is already hugging himself but it's a hug, at least. One that he intends to maintain until Kokichi either calms down or pushes him away, whichever happens first.]
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[What would Kaede do in this situation? Or even Kaito, if this were anyone other than Kokichi. The two of them so much better at this sort of thing than he is. Shuichi just wants to explain himself, to calmly and rationally refute what Kokichi is saying and show him exactly HOW he's wrong. Show him why things aren't as straightforward as they seem. But with the other in this state...that's not really an option. No matter how sound and rational his argument is, chances are high that Kokichi won't process a word of it.]
[Kaede and Kaito always made him feel strong when he was at his weakest...assured when he was directionless and lost...hopeful when he could only feel despair...]
[How can he do that same thing, now, for Kokichi?]
......
[Slowly, Shuichi leans forward and wraps his arms around the smaller boy. This definitely isn't the approach Kaito would take, but it's better to emulate Kaede in this situation, he thinks. Kaito's usual method of dealing with Kokichi is to ignore him and that...that's definitely not the right answer. He's not sure that was ever the right answer.]
[It's not really the best hug, given that Kokichi is already hugging himself but it's a hug, at least. One that he intends to maintain until Kokichi either calms down or pushes him away, whichever happens first.]