[ the line — yes, the line is entirely deliberate, of course, because he remembers it all too well from the last time they had one of these conversations. and he says it not as an excuse, or even a deterrent; it hadn't stopped him from wanting to know everything junpei had been through, had it? and he doesn't believe for one moment it's going to be enough to stop junpei, either.

instead, it's an explanation and a pre-emptive apology all at once, because it will upset him, he knows that much, because as much as he's always tried to downplay his home life, as much as his customary response to anything he's ever said about it has been it's fine —

well. he isn't an idiot. he does know it's not, in fact, at all fine. and he tilts his head into the touch and says, ] I know. [ of course junpei isn't worried about it; it's him who's worried, here, but he's just going to have to endure that, he thinks.

he takes the plate, then, but shakes his head to that think about it; he's already thought about it. ] We promised, yeah? I meant it, then. I still mean it. If you want to know...

[ he dries the plate and sets it aside with a shrug. ] It'll be easier if I just show you. [ after silverware and utensils, that is. ]