"Hiyori, aren't you pushing yourself too hard again?"
Sora asked worriedly. Hiyori was juggling three clubs, a part-time job, and even friends' consultations.
"I'm fine," Hiyori smiled. But that smile was a little tired.
Leo closed his book. "Hiyori, be honest. You're exhausted, aren't you?"
Hiyori hesitated slightly. "...Just a little."
"Why don't you decline?" Sora asked directly.
"If I decline, I'll cause trouble."
Leo said quietly, "That might be over-adaptation."
"Over-adaptation?" Hiyori asked back. Even though it was about herself, she couldn't think objectively.
Sora explained. "Prioritizing others' needs too much and exceeding your own limits. I learned it in psychology."
Leo continued. "Hiyori, you always listen to others. But you never talk about yourself."
Hiyori started to deny. "But that's my role..."
"Role?" Sora questioned. "Or is it your true self?"
Hiyori was at a loss for words.
Leo said gently, "People who are excessively considerate have common patterns."
"What patterns?"
"Childhood experiences of gaining safety by meeting parents' expectations," Sora answered textbook-style.
Hiyori had a realization. Indeed, she had always tried to be a "good child."
Leo added, "And fear of rejection. The belief that if you refuse, you'll be disliked."
"But I'd be in trouble if I'm actually disliked," Hiyori resisted.
Sora said quietly, "Hiyori, have you ever refused anyone before?"
Hiyori thought. "...Almost never."
"Then you've never actually tested whether you'd be disliked, have you?"
Leo nodded. "Fear is just a hypothesis. It hasn't been verified."
Hiyori exhaled deeply. "But I have no reason to refuse..."
"Being tired is a sufficient reason," Sora asserted.
Leo asked, "Hiyori, do you know the concept of boundaries?"
"Psychological boundaries... distinguishing the scope of responsibility between self and others."
"Yes. But Hiyori's boundaries are vague. You feel others' problems are your responsibility."
Hiyori admitted, "True... when friends are in trouble, I feel I must help."
"That's kindness," Leo said. "But unsustainable kindness ultimately helps no one."
Sora added, "If you burn out, it defeats the purpose."
Hiyori laughed weakly. "I know. I understand it in my head, but..."
"Emotions won't allow it?" Leo asked.
"I feel guilty. If I refuse, I feel like I'm a bad person."
Sora empathized. "I understand those feelings too."
Leo proposed, "Let's try a small experiment. The next thing you're asked, try refusing just one."
"That's scary," Hiyori said honestly.
"Of course. But it's important to know the gap between expectation and reality."
Sora encouraged, "We won't dislike you even if you refuse, Hiyori."
Hiyori's eyes moistened. "Thank you."
Leo continued, "Being excessively considerate is a type of self-defense. But it's an exhausting defense."
"Is there an easier way?"
"Drawing boundaries. Clearly defining 'This far is my responsibility, from here is the other person's responsibility.'"
Hiyori wrote in her notebook. "Taking care of yourself is not selfish."
Sora nodded. "Only when you're fulfilled can you truly help others."
Hiyori smiled slightly. "This week, I'll try refusing just one thing."
"Which one?" Leo asked.
"Tomorrow's drinking party. I didn't really want to go."
Sora applauded. "Good choice."
Hiyori took a deep breath. The habit of excessive consideration might not be cured immediately. But being aware is the first step.
"Refusing is also a form of honesty, isn't it?" Hiyori murmured.
Leo acknowledged, "Exactly. Being honest with yourself is the most sincere."
From today, Hiyori is trying to change little by little. She doesn't have to be perfect. Just learning to value herself.