[noah ducks his head slightly as she steps forward with that backpack over her shoulder, and he looks back up at her slowly.] It is a painful suffering with awful jello. Also the pudding is... really terrible like whether it's jello or pudding day since it rotates? Always bad. [he sits up further as he looks over at her with a tiny smile. he is very, very aware of how much he absolutely fails at any semblance of selfcare.] Do you think it'll ever sink in? [there's a lopsided smile from him that's sent her way.
before his smile widens when she lifts that backpack up, meeting her gaze too. she is really, really here. it makes his chest ache.] ...you did? Despite the fact that I'm in here due to my own idiocy? [there's a slight pause as the meaning of it sinks into him.] Thank you. Seriously. For... being here and... everything.