The seating had seemed anything but cramped to Kou, who'd had the benefit of very good seats and a much smaller stature on his side. Still, he hadn't been able to sleep a wink, he'd been so excited at the adventure that waited for him on the other side.

He can see unasked questions in Yaichirou's expression. It's no small wonder. It probably seems a pretty ridiculous maneuver to the guy, checking out right in the middle of being groomed for family obligations to go play hero in another country. In Kou's opinion, it's a breath of fresh air. With the exception of the stuff choking him as it whistles in through the bus window, that is.

He smiles faintly, and rolls his eyes. Might as well acknowledge it, right? "I was too excited. When I passed the first level everyone was shocked. You can imagine they weren't too happy to let me go try my hand at this."

He laughs, cheerful and musical, not the polite chuckle or formal smile that Yaichirou is accustomed to seeing from him.