Doesn't he always let you? Really, Hikaru. Whatever it is, if it is so terrible, then say so. Yes, he might have appointed himself as the school teacher running check on the whole lot of you to properly balance out Aidan, but you've had enough time as friends to at least feel like you can speak plainly his way.

"If you tell me not to ask, I will not."

He realizes, a bit belatedly though, that calling you out like that has opened up two possibilities. He amends then, "And I do mean that." Quiet now, concerned.

"If you wish not to speak of whatever it is that weighs on your mind, then we can turn this conversation to you telling me instead what it is that I've missed since Liandrin put me on house arrest."

The world turns, out there. And he remains here, recuperating.