"Art. Just draw away all your sadness." I ruffle Gio's hair.
"I told you—"
".... I know. But try, please?"
".... Fine." I stand up and walk out of the room. ".... The Cintiq is amazing, by the way."
I walk back to my room.
I lie down on the bed and bite my lip. ".... Sorry that all this had to happen. ..... You wouldn't be in a situation like this if I'd just decided to leave you alone after our first meeting....."
..... I bet he hates me now.
He hates me for ruining his ****ing life.
I sigh. "It's fine, Sai... I just wish... things were different... I could really use a few beers... to forget all my troubles... even for just a bit... Do you mind?"