[ She knows those words all too well, because she's had her efforts to help Simon shot down a lot. It felt absolutely disencouraging hearing them, but Athena never gave up. She persisted despite the hurtful words.

Athena nods, acknowledging Ai's story. She can't pick sides, though, as much as she wants to comfort Ai by saying Archer is a butthead. Archer's her friend, too. At the same time, she doesn't want to seem like she's defending the guy. That could potentially make things worse. Still, she'd like to for Ai to understand why Archer is the way he is. ]

He doesn't think he's good enough for anything. [ She says it matter of factly. ] That's why he's pushing you away.

I'm sorry he said those, though... You meant well.