Ichinose’s explanation only seemed to sadden him more. He felt awful for both- Ichinose didn't deserve to have someone fight tooth and nail to be forced into the mould of a doll, a title that she clung onto like it was her lifeline. The anger will only make things worse instead of better.

It was so important for people to be kind. And just.

That said...he sympathised with Zenkichi. Who wouldn't be? If he came across that burglar in this world, regardless of how much good will he held, regardless of his motivations and passions; he couldn’t erase that imagery of how he lost everything that mattered to him.

And Zenkichi lost. More than anyone deserved to.

When Ichinose offered him the deal to seperate he answered a beat later, brows relaxing from their relentless furrowing like he was just pulled out from his deep thoughts.

"No, no, I didn't even do anything. You handled yourself really well." Quick not to take any credit, he waved his hand in dismissal. "That said I will...go ahead and do that." It was so obvious from his expression and the way he followed Zenkichi’s retreating form that he wanted to speak with him again. They did fight and drank alongside each other before all of this- maybe he could salvage a bridge?

So what was he waiting for? With the way his eyes turned to Ichinose like a puppy, he was still waiting for that slight confirmation.