[Yeah, it sure was annoying being met with silence. Maybe now Zero knew what it felt like for anyone who tried to carry a conversation with him.]

You can't hide from this forever.

[Of course, his first response was stern. Even when spoken out of concern, Zero's tone hid no harshness. It sounded like it would've easily been the beginning of a grim and disappointed lecture, but he held back. Maybe if he was speaking to a soldier, this severity would have its place. But Zero had to remind himself that for all of Hajime's big talk, he was still a student. A civilian who was in way over his head.

And Zero's tools for dealing with anyone civilian was considerably more limited. He could open the door - hell, he could rip the door right off its hinges - but what would the application of force actually accomplish? Apart from forcing Hajime out from his hiding place, Zero had no real way of calming or comforting him.

There was a long silence before Zero gave a worried, tired sigh.] Hajime...

It's... not that bad. [The words felt awkward as they stumbled off his tongue and he knew it. Hardly very convincing.]