Ack. Too much, too fast. He's closed himself off. But I don't buy his excuse. Maybe that's part of it, but there's more there.

"Is bullying bad at Amanogawa?" I try a more casual tactic. School bullying is a big deal overseas right now, but things are mostly unchanged here in Japan. It shouldn't be too big of a deal if I go in from that angle. "My...cousin was thinking of taking the exams there. For next year."

Akiko could probably pass as my younger cousin. If needed. Maybe.