[L thinks about specifying that Shoyo isn't really an old friend; he's just as old as his presence in this place, for a mere several months, can allow for. But he was among the first he met, so... perhaps it really does count as such. The age of anything is just relative.]

Talking to him always makes me feel good. How inconvenient that there's any sort of negative connotation, now.

[His fear and disquiet is turning more to annoyance. How dare Trench ruin something nice for him, a rare social success.]

You should know that I've tried to lose it. That seems less possible than fighting it, which... I wouldn't risk, even if I was stronger.

[He's clearly not a fighter, clearly taking the wiser choice here.]