"If you're certain, Akira."

It honestly is much better having someone to talk to when you're down, he finds. He can already feel some of the tension from earlier ease up.

"Wouldn't the drinks here normally be free? But if your drinks usually cost money, then I regret to inform you that I left my wallet back home."

He's kidding, of course, but it's probably a bit stiffer than he intended.

"In reality I'm one year away from legally drinking alcohol, so I'll just take a glass of water. Thank you."