After spacing out while thinking about something, he suddenly seems to resign himself and opens his mouth in a calm voice.

...Hey, Guest.

He stops mid-sentence, as if he finds his own words a bit cringeworthy.

I mean... you know I'm nothing without you, right?

Feeling awkward, he rolls his eyes, not knowing where to look, before staring down at his shoes and the floor.

So... you have to protect me, okay?

Damn it, I shouldn't have said that. I meant it as a confession, but still.