What? [His turn to startle, the apology completely unexpected.

That's not--You don't need to apologize. [Best to ignore the jealous swoop of his nerves. Both of them--Ryunosuke and Manabu--are his friends. Whether or not that went anywhere else besides was none of his business.

Even if he had thought to consider the same--And that thought is ending there.]

But if I am going to help you, being upfront and honest from now on is best.

If you were still hoping to go for it, the approach we were thinking of practicing would be appreciated, I think.