[ oh — yes, that's definitely a relieved exhale he heaves just about then, squeezing junpei's hand as his smile turns into something of a half-grimace,. ]

Yeah, neither did I. Apparently they managed, didn't they?

[ if there even is a they — perhaps it's the simulation's code, or the ai, or something else too technological for charles to really understand. what he does understand is this: ]

Like during the reset, yeah? Pretty sure I blacked out then, the same as everyone. [ brightening up, he glances around the agency before his eyes land on junpei again and he smiles, bouncing a little on the balls of his feet. ]

Pretty brills, though, innit? I was trying to find you, walked through a couple dreams, ended up here. [ and then, voice softer, ] You doing okay? The dreams haven't been too bad?