He seems a bit...embarrassed? At admitting he knows Eiji-kun. That doesn't exactly bode well for their relationship, but then he goes ahead and admits how he knows him, and that certainly helps solidify things a little bit, at least.

"I see," I say in the same quiet voice, tipping the brim of my hat in a show of solidarity. "I know him that way as well. So you're not alone there." No need to tell him about Double, I hope. But I can't help but wonder how small this city is, that I would happen to stumble upon Eiji's friend's brother lying unconscious by the side of the road.

My mouth twitches into a frown as a new thought occurs to me. "Your brother," I say, keeping my voice low, "is he mixed up in all this? The...things...going on in the city?"

Please, not another kid caught up in all this. Let it be a coincidence.