Okay, he wants to say, which is inane, insufficient, pathetic—and then he can't even open his mouth to say that much. Slowly, he loosens his grip on Akechi's hand until he's no longer pressing it against his face. He doesn't dare to open his eyes yet; if anything, they squeeze tighter shut as he stops protecting the barrier of Akechi's hand.

In the aftermath of finally giving in, he feels a strange, dull relief. No matter what else happens, at least that's one thing he can stop fighting. He slumps against Akechi in silence.