[ It's not Aether's intention to disrespect Baizhu's concern or authority, but somehow, he can't help but laugh, both as a guilty reaction and at the absurdity of the situation. He rests his hands lightly on the good doctor's forearms, pressing his fingertips gently into Baizhu's skin, as if to convey a wordless apology. Perhaps it is true that the only person he needs to apologize to is himself, but — even so. Even so.

After a moment longer of recovery, he nods his head, contrite. ]

I understand...

[ Another laugh, as if in a desperate effort to convey that it wasn't so bad, really. Deep down, he already knows he has to give this up, but he can't quite help himself; it's all reflex. He is so used to the idea that he has to pretend that he's fine that it's hard to shake off the impulse to do so even in front of one's own doctor, after admitting that the problem has become too much to bear. ]

It's just... you know. [ Another short, dazed laugh. He knows that Baizhu knows. ] It’s hard to be honest. Once you've started lying. It's hard to stop.

[ Beseeching golden eyes meet analytical golden eyes. Aether rights himself slightly. ]

...A lot of things in life are like that.