Clutching his friend in turn, he draws a shuddering breath. It's an ugly feeling which twists in his gut. Irhya's coldness when he had insinuated that he planned to restore his world the way he had always wanted, and Felih's disappointment. Why should he care what they think? Why should he give up his own happiness when it lies within his grasp?

(Because it means thinking less of them in order to bring about his long-sought after dream.)

"If we save our world, our star," he whispers, "promise me that you will confess your love to my past self. I am an oblivious fool, as you know. Stop pining and don't wait for me to notice you."