[Just because Souji had learned to numb his heart regarding what was true for him in his own world didn't mean that he had fully accepted the circumstances. The deflections and distractions, the little things that he did, were tiny hints of something else lingering in the darkness that Cliff knew was there. No amount of jokes and smiles could hide that fact from Cliff.

He had been playing this game for too long. He hated using these tricks on his friends.]

Souji. [The lightness of his tone had given way to something more somber as he spoke.] You don't really expect me to believe that, do you?

[He met Souji's smile with concern in his eyes.]

I've found that people lie the most when they're scared or hurting. Or, scared of being hurt. It's natural, but hiding from your friends doesn't make getting through problems any easier for anyone. You're military, right? Most military guys don't work solo in my experience.

What are you trying to hide from here?