Dolemeck found himself leaning in a bit more himself. His forehead gently pressed against Ilya's, and his eyes closed. It was quite intimate the way their hands were, it made his heart race.

"You are not mooching off of me." His voice was a bit quiet, now. "I am offering to help you, because you are a good, kind person, Ilya. Even if I just met you... I can tell. And you have been through things you never deserved. I want to make up for all of that, by having you happy at this school, and smiling... and less nervous."

He could not stop smiling for some reason, or blushing.

"I do not know how I can explain it, but I want to protect you, too, Ilya."