[Mayoi falls very quiet at that, and he looks at Dimos with something of a mix of quiet confusion and uncertainty.]

[He thinks, that Dimos has said a very kind thing, but something about it makes his skin crawl. It's uncomfortable, it feels wrong. Those words shouldn't be meant for him, right? It's a disquieting feeling and it's churning a little in his gut.]

I am a filthy insect.

[The words spill out of him before he even realizes what happened. Like the thoughts sprang forth and he'd been powerless to do anything. They ring with something that feels true, and he feels even worse.]

I-I mean, [That was. strange to say, right? He shouldn't. Shouldn't turn down kind words. That's impolite...?] I-I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I don't know if that's true- Should I be protected? I-I don't know, I don't know, I'm sorry. Ah-

[He grabs his glass and tries to down his words the best he can. Down it goes.]