[ Just as it's in Akira's nature to touch, it's in Haruaki's nature to demur – his kneejerk reaction is to reassure in return, tell Akira that it's fine, he's fine, it's all fine!!

But something gives him pause. Maybe it's just having Akira close once more. That always seems to make his heart stutter lately.

And then he relents, expression softening from something embarrassed to something quietly grateful. Perhaps he hadn't realized just how much of an ache he was carrying around. The apology is a balm he wasn't aware he needed. Leave it to Akira to heal what hurts... ]

It's okay. [ This time when he says it, he really does mean it – it isn't a way to brush off his own feelings, but to acknowledge them, and acknowledge Akira's apology in kind. ] Like I said... when we were in there, I didn't think it was my first? It felt like we had to have done that before, but...

[ But they hadn't, of course. Haruaki's mouth twists thoughtfully, unsure of exactly how their minds were manipulated back in that room. ]

Did it feel like that for you too? Like we were already... you know!