Takeo accepted the abrupt gift from Korie with a bright grin and a nod, cracking the tab on the cannister before the idle banter between the other cadets turned into a bustling conversation. He was fascinated with the developing dynamic in the group, setting his coffee down and forgetting it until Korie returned and indicated it to him. Takeo was glad he had not yet taken a sip, as he was still recovering from witnessing Ian's bold oral assault and predicted the coffee would have now been all over the floor before him if it had been in his mouth at the time.
Korie's outreach had been as equally surprising as their gift, and while he felt warmly comforted by the companionship, he felt bothered as well. Making friends, going through the motions, it was all too troublesome for him. He kept his masking smile on, but never said a further word as he watched the events unfold before him. Bonds were already being made between the cadets. He knew it was only a matter of time until he was left to his own devices, never being spared a thought. Good, he thought. Just the way I like it.
Takeo found his head subtly inclining towards where he knew Iron Sparrow was in the hangar. What was it Korie had said? “Do change that attitude and do at least try to at least put up a fight… so that you can at least be able to protect someone this time instead of leaving them to die.” He brought his fingertips up to brush the necklace hidden beneath his shirt, a harshly painful memory welling up inside of him and twisting his face grimly, before realizing what he was doing. As soon as he did, he brought the coffee to his lips and chugged eagerly, and when the can was brought away, his smile was right back on his face.