[he stops, altogether, putting the pencil down, but he doesn't raise his eyes, pretending instead to fidgets with the bands on his wrist. it's hard to talk about this, still, even if he's quite open about it to anyone he forms even the smallest bond with.]

I'm flattered that you want me to be in your class.

[?]

Be it because of my clearly charming personality, or-- just, you know... you see potential in me. I always felt a nuisance growing up. If I keep out of everyone's way, I thought, I'd never be the reason for bad things happening to them.

I think back on it and I know it's fucked up to be six and think that, but I just thought that's how things were.