[That gets a softer, more genuine smile, and Natsume's tail instinctively flicks over, resting on Junpei's hand for a moment, fluffy and heavy. He could leave it at that, could say "well, that should be enough", but it doesn't feel quite right. It's all very good to remember the wishes of those you've lost, but it's just as easy to tell yourself why does it matter? He knows that very well.

So, after a moment, gathering his courage, because he doesn't talk about this at all:] My, um. My father died when I was very, very small. I can't...remember his face or his voice or...the things he liked to do or...really much of anything about him. [The words are thick in Natsume's throat, and he has to stop for a moment, breathe through them.] But I remember...I remember that he loved me. I can remember that.

[He draws his knees up to his chest, rests his chin on them, glancing sideways at Junpei.] So, when I wanted...when I want to disappear, to not...be anywhere, I. I remember that, once, I was a person someone loved. And that...it still matters. Even though that someone's gone.

Does that make sense?