"It's only four," he points out, which to him is quite early.

But that's not really the point here.

He sits on his bed again, much like he had yesterday night. Shinjirou is in his safe space, he reminds himself. As much as he might like to push and prod at him until he figures out what's wrong (not that it's hard to guess), he'll have to refrain from doing so. Or at least, keep it subtle.

First, though, he should try to get him out of his shell.

Casually, he says: "By the way, I brought someone home with me. Say hello to Irvin."

At the sound of its name, the dog looks up, ears pricked.