[ He sighs just as much as she does, but manages not to cut her off, even when he wants to - when he wants to say she's not anybody's dirty secret, but he keeps from it, letting her talks things out for herself.

Then, he presses his lips to the top of her head, gentle, before speaking. ]

You're no one's mistress. It's not like I have anybody else and I have to hide you. And it's not that I think it's wrong, either. It's just... little things. I don't want other students' level of respect to change. I don't want the little jabs, and the comments, and the looks.

[ He noses down to her forehead, kissing her there before continuing. ]

I guess I'm just a bit weak. I'm not strong like you are, and I do care, what others think. And I know you say nobody does give a shit here, but that's not true. Your aunt cares. I want to be able to give you everything, but I know that I can't, right now. I'm not strong enough.

[ He is a coward, and he knows it. ]