[No one is bothering L; not directly, at least. He's the one with sticky fingers and long-practiced suspicion that makes him determined to expose the Emperor, to Paul and all of those willing to call him teacher, captain, God.

Not that he can say any of this to Shōyō. Would it be fair to burden him? Would he (and L feels a twinge to consider it) even understand?]

No; I'm just the sort of person that can make attending a party for my friend look difficult. The crowds and noise get to me after a time, and I never know if drinking makes it better or worse. This probably sounds funny to you, it's not exactly Mardi Gras.