Disclaimer: A3! belongs to Liber Entertainment.

"That's a good idea."

He'd said that out of reflex, Tasuku could swear, because it was the most logical thing to say. Now he was sure as hell that he'd regret it. Socializing with his troupe mates? What a pain.

Tasuku had always been a man of few words, not because he disliked talking. Whenever he tried to speak, he'd find a lot of questions spinning in his head.

Most of the time, it was, "How will they feel if I say this? How should I phrase it so that I wouldn't hurt anyone?"

At times, it could be, "I sound stupid, don't I?"

Of course, he'd slipped up many times, more than he could ever recall. God Troupe had taught him to speak what sounded right, feelings be damned. Hell, a slight delay on responding to Reni's questions would result in a reprimand.

Sometimes, Tasuku wondered if his life would've been different if he hadn't joined God Troupe. Maybe he'd have learned to phrase things effortlessly. Maybe he'd have made many friends.

"Tasuku?" Tsumugi asked.

"Huh?"

"I know it's hard, but I've got your back."

Tasuku nodded. Maybe, just maybe, he'd finally learn to make friends in Winter Troupe.