A psychologist, remember?

"Look, kid, you know it's okay to hate somebody, right? Especially when they do stuff like that to you." I keep an even tone. It doesn't take a doctorate to see this kid is on edge. He's one of the worst cases I've seen in my life. This guy makes crippling social anxiety look like minor awkwardness. It took me years to get to the point where I could lightly touch him without him drawing back. Sadly, I know why.

"I'm sorry, doc, b-but I'm n-not really an angry guy...I mean, she scares me, but h-how could I hate my own m-mother?" I would. He's shown me the bruises and cuts on him after she gets in an angry mood. I've been to his house, place is a shithole. I can tell he hardly eats, which is why I make sure to bring plenty of snacks to our sessions. Even after telling all this to a judge, who swore they would do something about it...I've followed up with her, but the system moves slow. It pisses me off, but I'm willing to swallow a bit of anger if it gets him out of that place for good.

"Okay, but anger is a normal human emotion. There has to be something you hate."

"Issei Hyoudou..." His fist clenches. Thankfully, he does have interests that overlap with mine. Anime, mostly. We bonded fast by recommending our favorite series to each other and trying new ones together. He's the one that got me into Highschool DxD.

"Let me guess: Lucky Bastard?"

"No. You can't hate someone for being lucky, and besides, he's the protagonist, he's going to be lucky. I hate him because he's constantly surrounded by some of the most beautiful characters I've ever seen and never even tries to romance them! All he ever does is poke their boobs for a power-up or try to get them naked! I know he's good deep down, but the second boobs are mentioned, his entire character derails! And that never changes through four seasons; where's the development!?"

"Are you saying you'd be different in his shoes?"

"Yes! Assuming I could talk to them without peeing my pants, I'd try my best to NOT mention their boobs, because let's be honest, they probably get enough of that. And, if I was as lucky as him, I'd treasure every moment I had with them. I might even formally ask them out. Again, assuming I could get the words out."

"That's a hell of a vision, kid." My phone rings. He cringes at the unexpected noise, but I answer quickly. "Yeah?"

"Your order has been delivered. Anime Robosluts thanks you for your business." I hang up, and smile at the boy as my timer rings.

"Our time's up, kid. I have a feeling you've got a nice surprise waiting at home."