[ It's always like this. This patient was particularly sensitive, prone to taking every little thing and running with it. He made the mistake of forgetting that, but it's hard not to when he can hear Harai demanding an explanation on the other side of the line. Perhaps it was because they'd worked together for some time, or perhaps it was because of the relationship he wanted to maintain, but it es easier for him to slip into something more natural around his coworkers. His attitude there was carefree, bubbly, and direct, and much more natural than the prim and proper role of the doctor he played here. Still, this personality was as much Hiyori as the one he played at ASUNARO. Neither could be called his true self - by now, he's not sure he has one.

But he'd let them start to meld together. He knows better than to allow that to happen. He watches as Komaeda once more tastes his blood, and he wonders if he should try to disapprove of that behavior. But if a patient was dying and refusing treatment, then perhaps even this was a form of palliative care. The initial rush starts to come down, and he can feel the dull throb on his neck. The faculty wouldn't blink, nor would those at ASUNARO once they'd gotten over his transgression, but his other patients needn't know so much about his personal life. They were just set pieces, after all. He breathes out a soft sigh, fingering one of the undone buttons of his labcoat with his free hand while unmuting the phone with the others. ]

Harai-san. I can't finish up my work with you in my ear! See you soon!

[ He ends the call with a pained wince that doesn't quite match the bubbly tone he'd slipped into, because he knows how well that will go over. Even so, it's a choice that he's committed to. He pushes himself up, folding his arms, phone still held in his hand. He doesn't want things to end on such a bitter note. ]

You're upset... Or would disappointed be a better word? I won't ignore that.