[nods in understanding and lets the water trickle through his fingers, rubbing a wet hand roughly along the back of his neck instead, mindful of his curl]

[looks up again with a grin, belying the seriousness of the moment before]

So this game! Thought it was a hidden camera show at first, but it seems it's real, huh?

[his tone is light and though Japan's response to his previous question has served to all but confirm his worst fears... he needs to hear an outright answer again]