[ for a moment, ichiban hangs on todomatsu's every word, every pause with bated breath. it's a familiar feeling, something akin to what he'd felt after he poured his heart out to saeko, only... he thinks he's in her shoes this time? and that's kind of weird, all things considered. it actually makes him a little self-conscious to watch totty try to work this proposal out himself...

but then totty flushes and smiles and stammers out that stipulation, and he can't help but let out a hearty laugh. it's just—such an honest reaction that it legitimately kind of charms him. he likes the fact that todomatsu is able to be himself around him, that he doesn't have to worry about keeping up appearances or expectations when it's clear he's not going anywhere. ]

My feelings wouldn't even be hurt, man! Like, realistically speaking, maybe I'd be a little bummed and jealous at first... but in the end, you being happy is all I want. If it's with me, great! If it's not, hey, life'll go on. I'll bounce back from it, just like everything else.

[ he gives totty's hand another little squeeze, this time throwing in a cheeky wink, too. ]

Besides, even then, do you think dumping me would get me out of your life? You might not be on my route anymore, but I'll still be a side character.