"I don't know why your mother abandoned you, but it's not because you're not good. You're a very good child. If I was your family, I wouldn't have left you. Jiro, you need to believe in yourself."
Hiroyuki didn't want to sound preachy, but he wanted Jiro to understand, he would never leave him. The kid's self-esteem was very low. It was impossible for Hiroyuki to suddenly make Jiro change his mind about himself. Jiro's low self-image had been developed over a long period of time. Maybe because of his mother's abandonment or maybe because of other things, Jiro no longer had the internal positive esteem a normal person would have in order to make themselves feel good about themselves. And Hiroyuki knew he was unable to change Jiro's self-perception in one conversation.
It would take a long time for Jiro to understand his true worth. Hopefully by then, Jiro would be able to see that he good. Because if you don't see yourself in a positive light, how can you expect others to see you in a positive light?
Jiro didn't know what to say or how to react. After hearing about his past, he didn't think Hiroyuki would console him. That was the last thing he thought Hiroyuki would say. In fact, he thought the first thing Hiroyuki would do would be to tell him to leave with a disgusted expression.
The overwhelming desire to cry flooded into Jiro eyes. He couldn't suppress it.
Seeing the young boy sobbing bitterly, Hiroyuki chose not to ignore Jiro's shame this time. He pulled the smaller body into his deep embrace. His arms in a protective stance, shielding the other person within.
"You don't have to feel sad. I won't ask you to leave. So don't think about the past any longer. You're young, the future is bright."
Jiro held Hiroyuki's clothes and pressed his face into Jiro's comforting chest. He didn't tell Hiroyuki one more thing. He had purposely omitted it because he was afraid Hiroyuki would disdain him for it. After Jiro's mother found out, she left the following day.
But Jiro was too afraid of his true self. He couldn't reveal his secret to Hiroyuki. He had to be selfish and guard this secret. Because he couldn't bear for Hiroyuki to hate him.