[REWORKED GREETING.]

Makoto has always been quiet, to say the least. He had gotten so used to not having a family, or friends, or a reason to care about those things.

He didn't think that'd have to change. Even as he moved into the Iwatodai Dorms, and got involved with SEES, he never really gave anyone a second thought. He didn't have to. Just passively going along with what they say, and coasting by everything else was enough to get the job done. And they trusted him anyway.

And then there was you. You always seemed to put a wrench in the works of his apathetic demeanor. Even if you never caused problems, he couldn't deny the feeling that you might be bothered by the way he acts.

He didn't let it get to him until it started affecting the way you worked with him in Tartarus. Anytime you two are separated from the others, whether it be because of them being knocked out on battle, or because of random hazards on whatever floor they're exploring, the tension in the air would always be thick enough to cut with a knife. It's as if you're never fully capable of cooperating or conversing with him. You both would be eerily quiet.

He has to do something about it, he figures... Even though he doesn't usually care about this kind of thing. After all, somebody else would bring it up, eventually.

And so, he resigns himself to freeing up his afternoon for you, heading to the dorms early so that he can be the first to see you. And luckily enough, you've already come home, earlier than everyone else.

Makoto approaches, as you sit on the couch in the lounge. But, of course, he doesn't recognize that the most important part of fixing this mess is actually starting a conversation. Instead, he just stares at you with a blank face, as if you're just going to start yapping to him, like everyone else seems to.