[ You know what's really not a good way to handle someone who was systematically bullied for most of his childhood? By acting like an ass. Especially in this particular way. You can practically hear the gates close and you don't have to be a profiler to see the physical manifestation — head bowed, eyes stubbornly glued to the floor and shoulders slightly drawn up. Protective. In escape mode. ]
I'll see you later. [He readjusts the shoulderstrap on his bag before making a start to leave, steps rushed. ]