"Yeah. That's true. But... he's changed, too. It's weird to hear he's remorseful because I never thought he would admit it. I knew he felt bad, you know? He always treated me to things to make up for it, but I never thought he'd say it. Seeing him here it's so different. He's different--happier." Erik is smiling, joking with people, and letting his guard down in public in a way Max never saw much of. A tiny flicker of something that could almost be jealousy dances in his chest, but it snuffs out just as quickly. If Chris is the one responsible for that then they must be really special. That's a good thing.

"Oh?" Max lets out a surprised laugh. "Then I guess you don't mind how cold he is all the time, huh?"