So this wasn't the first time. He's a little relieved, but at the same time frustrated. Minako could be the glue that held their little band together, and with Fuuka and Junpei there now, they'd have to get by without her. It wouldn't be impossible, but Shinjiro struggled with socialization. With her around, he had somebody who understood him.

At that thought, he picks his head up at the sound of Aki's voice. Aki used to understand him too. Maybe he still does a little. Two years feels like twenty. Aki still seemed the same, but Shinji had changed a lot. It still felt impossible to patch up the hole in his life caused by the accident. Did Aki find peace with it easier since he was just a bystander, or was it something else?

He growled softly, and followed Akihiko into his room after dimming the lights in the living area.