[I did. For the first time, I wanted something for myself more than I had in my entire life, and I let it go because I had to.]
Wanting to stop you and being grateful to you don't have to be conflicting feelings. [As he finishes pouring Maruki's cup, a wisp of a smile slips onto his face.] Someone taught me that very important lesson.
[Akira doesn't say who, even as he sets down the mug in front of him. He thinks Maruki should know, honestly... But those are probably Sumire's words to say directly, and he doesn't know if he should take that from her, even if it might not be likely the two of them will meet again.]
If I end up being wrong... If my gambit is misplaced, there will never be a time that I won't be grateful to you for it. Maybe that's confusing, but I think you'll understand one day. We'll leave it at that.
[His smile has dropped, but the quiet fondness hasn't left his eyes. He leans back against the counter, takes a sip of his own coffee, lets the warmth and taste wash through him. Ponders if he should really say what he's about to, and decides to take the plunge anyway.
For all of the trouble it's gotten him, he's never stopped being opening up to Maruki about what's on his mind. It's more than with most people, even amongst the ones that he loves.]
It's not about him, but... I'd like to ask you something about what you just said, if that's alright.
he left us because he's a hater
[I did. For the first time, I wanted something for myself more than I had in my entire life, and I let it go because I had to.]
Wanting to stop you and being grateful to you don't have to be conflicting feelings. [As he finishes pouring Maruki's cup, a wisp of a smile slips onto his face.] Someone taught me that very important lesson.
[Akira doesn't say who, even as he sets down the mug in front of him. He thinks Maruki should know, honestly... But those are probably Sumire's words to say directly, and he doesn't know if he should take that from her, even if it might not be likely the two of them will meet again.]
If I end up being wrong... If my gambit is misplaced, there will never be a time that I won't be grateful to you for it. Maybe that's confusing, but I think you'll understand one day. We'll leave it at that.
[His smile has dropped, but the quiet fondness hasn't left his eyes. He leans back against the counter, takes a sip of his own coffee, lets the warmth and taste wash through him. Ponders if he should really say what he's about to, and decides to take the plunge anyway.
For all of the trouble it's gotten him, he's never stopped being opening up to Maruki about what's on his mind. It's more than with most people, even amongst the ones that he loves.]
It's not about him, but... I'd like to ask you something about what you just said, if that's alright.