It was encouraging, that he wasn't the only one to think about it often- if he should try to go, just because it seemed like the think everyone their age ought to do... even if it seemed to make most people miserable.

But then he'd seen the trouble Ritsuka'd run into, with school. Joe didn't want to deal with fighting off locals trying that bully routine with him. He'd sooner wipe the floor with them, with his darkness, and then he'd just be in trouble.

School didn't sound like it was so much more than a waste of precious time. They might not ever get to stay here forever. Another troubling thought.

"If I ever wanted to read something or learn something, I could on my own." he nodded in agreement, defensive. "I don't need a teacher or homework to do it"