[ Yuta hums, expression appropriately conflicted hearing that. People being brought in every month seems like a lot, doesn't it? There's definitely a chance some of his friends might end up here too, especially when some of them have done things that will be considered crimes regardless of the circumstances. (He thinks of Maki and what she's done and his stomach plummets just a bit.) He's fine being punished for the crime he's been accused of when it's true and he deserves it, but he doesn't want that for them. So... ]

As much as I'd like to see them, it's probably better that they don't. I'd rather they stay home than have to deal with the whole 'sentencing' thing here.

[ He replies wryly while Koromaru takes his time sniffing his hand. Yuta does nothing to hurry the dog along, patiently keeping his hand outstretched for inspection. That he's bothering at all is a good sign, right? That's more than other animals have cared to do. The oppressive cursed energy that flows through his body and spills out of him is enough to keep them at bay; something pervasive in its enormity but steady like a stream when he's not fighting. It's unpleasant for the fact that it is cursed energy yet there's no active ill will coming from Yuta behind it.

Still, he's kind of expecting Koromaru to just dismiss him eventually, so the gentle lap at his fingers comes as a pleasant surprise and Yuta's instantly brightening, gaze snapping back to the dog in delighted amazement. ]

Thank you. [ For the acceptance, he means. Taking that lick as a sign it's okay for Yuta to pet him, he does so. A gentle hand coming to stroke the top of Koromaru's head and scratch behind his ears while Yuta melts a little. ] Ahh you're so soft, Koromaru-kun.