[He's tried so hard to hang on to his anger, because it's easier to be angry. It protects him from feeling other things. But his anger fades away, and then he doesn't know what he has to defend himself with.]

I believe you. You don't have to thank me.

[Looking down at Diarmuid's hand on his, Kariya feels warm. He squeezes his hands, lightly.

On impulse, he leans forward to rest his forehead against Diarmuid's chest, closing his eyes. He breathes out, a deep breath. He wishes he could stay this way, but he knows he shouldn't be like this to begin with. He feels embarrassed, but embarrassment doesn't seem to stop him. He's half-expecting to be pushed away.]

Do you think so? [Part of him wonders: what if there's nothing to be done?] I wonder... But I'll try. I want things to be better, too.

[Some of the things he wants, he knows are impossible, but he's used to that.]