Kou let's her blab, only replying with a hum here and there out of politeness, but not quite taking in anything she says. She's putting in all this effort to distract him... and for what? He doesn't even appreciate it. He's just putting up with it because fighting it is too exhausting.

His stomach twists at the sight of the Velvet Room. A whole fucking birthday party for Goro Akechi. He pretends he didn't see anything the moment they go through the Iwatodai door.

Yet, it is the only part of the walk there that sticks to him like a piece of gum. Lovely. Another reminder of what he lost.

When she says they're there, he finally looks up properly-- he couldn't tell you what route they took if you asked.

"... No, I haven't," he replies honestly. "I don't know what to expect."