"I apologized again."
Kaito held his head in his hands. In the cafeteria, Sora and Hiyori were listening.
"What happened?" Hiyori asked gently.
"I was asked for my opinion in class and answered. But everyone's reaction was lukewarm... I immediately withdrew it saying 'Sorry, forget that.'"
Sora tilted her head. "Was your opinion wrong, Kaito?"
"No, that's not it. I just don't want to be disliked."
Hiyori said quietly, "You might have high rejection sensitivity."
"Rejection sensitivity?" Kaito asked back.
"The tendency to anticipate rejection from others and react excessively," Sora explained. She had just learned it in psychology class.
Hiyori continued. "Everyone has fear of rejection. But when that fear is too strong, it interferes with interpersonal relationships."
"That's exactly me," Kaito laughed self-deprecatingly.
"Why are you so afraid of being disliked?" Sora asked directly.
Kaito pondered. "A long time ago, a close friend suddenly ignored me."
Hiyori nodded. "Past rejection experiences are influencing current behavior."
"But that's not rational, right? Not everyone is like that friend."
"Even if you understand with your head, emotions are different," Sora empathized. "I've had similar experiences too."
Hiyori said gently, "The need for approval is a basic human need. It occupies an important position even in Maslow's hierarchy of needs."
"It's natural to want approval," Kaito seemed a bit relieved.
"Yes. But the problem is the source of approval."
"Source?"
"Self-approval or approval from others. Relying only on approval from others makes you unstable."
Kaito understood. "Being swayed by others' evaluations."
Sora added, "Moreover, it's impossible to be liked by everyone."
"That's right. I understand it logically, but..."
Hiyori placed her hands on the table. "In cognitive behavioral therapy, we think like this: being rejected and your self-worth are separate things."
"Separate?"
"Even if someone dislikes you, your essential value doesn't change. It might simply be a matter of compatibility or timing."
Kaito exhaled deeply. "But if I'm disliked, I'll be lonely."
Sora said quietly, "I think true loneliness is pretending to be someone you're not."
Hiyori nodded. "As Sora says. Approval gained by suppressing yourself is hollow."
"Then what should I do?" Kaito asked seriously.
"First, try taking small risks," Hiyori suggested. "Say just one of your opinions. Don't retract it."
"That's scary."
"It's natural to be scared. But you'll notice you're rejected less than expected."
Sora encouraged him. "I want to hear your opinions, Kaito."
"Really?"
"Really. Even if it's a different opinion, if it's your thinking, I'll respect it."
Hiyori smiled. "Building such relationships one by one. That's how to ease the fear of rejection."
Kaito looked forward a bit. "It's not easy, but I'll try."
"You can take your time," Hiyori said. "Cultivating self-approval is a long journey."
Sora added, "But unless you start walking, the scenery won't change."
Kaito laughed. For the first time, it was a genuine smile.
"Thank you. Both of you. I was hiding my true self because I was too afraid of being disliked."
Hiyori said quietly, "Someone who accepts you even when you show your true self. That's a real connection."
"From today, I'll try to change little by little."
Sora smiled. "We won't come to dislike you, Kaito."
Kaito's eyes moistened. The fear of being disliked might not disappear. But the courage to face it had sprouted, just a little.