Dan nods, continuing to nibble his chocolate, knead the grass like a cat seeking comfort. Funny, in parts of that, Bunny sounds like he's describing Dan more than Kokichi, in trying to know others better than they know him, keep them from closeness.

But Dan's an adult, not a kid. It's easier to skim by socially when you're fully independent.

"I don't reckon he has a great sense of self-esteem. The well-adjusted kids usually don't threaten people with death and try to antagonize everyone." He lays on his back in the grass. "You think anyone's gonna be watching out for him except us, or has he alienated the whole lot of 'em?"