[Jae-ha doesn't flinch away from the hands on his face - rather there's an automatic, instinctive way that he leans into Souji's touch without hesitation. There's warmth and gentleness there and he wants to drink in every single show of affection that he's offered.

At the question he laughs faintly - and he shakes his head ever so slightly. Not even enough to shake off Souji's hands, but rather just to accompany his explanation.]

They told me - they said there would be nothing for me in the outside world. People would be afraid, or they'd find me ugly, or I would never find a place to belong. That instead, I should stay where I was. Maybe one day there would be someone coming for me, a King that wanted to use my power, and then I could leave. But... I spent twelve years in there, and nothing ever changed.

Nothing ever made me stop wanting to run as far as I could - to have a life of my own, how I wanted it.

Everyone dies - and dragon die earlier than most - so why should I spend the time I have doing as other people say?