[Kaiba's heart does a strange little flutter at the contact. For someone who isn't used to personal interaction, this is surprisingly tolerable. He snorts a little at the mental image of Yugi protecting him, of all things...but in a way he already had.

He listens with growing concern, shifting just a little closer.]

When I first transferred to Domino, you were smiling. I'd just assumed it had always been that way...

[Obviously a foolish assumption. He finishes his own drink and sighs.]

Bullies are scum. You're so much stronger than that, Yugi. Your wit, your skill. But you credit so much to friendship, and...it's difficult to argue against those results.