*just like that, looks elsewhere in the room (it doesn't really matter where), and the moment is gone* You know I'm not going to—
My dad
*swiftly shifts his eyes back to your face, utterly flabbergasted that he could have ever thought your silence and neglect separation from him had to do with, in any significant part, your...whatever he is*
*very hesitantly* You're above hoping for the hopeless, Káni. *lifts his hand as if he might touch your cheek but stops a hair's breadth from your skin (and your presence is not the only thing he's trying to convince himself of)* It doesn't matter if you don't want it to.