[This time he doesn't answer right away. It'd be so easy just say something like "of course not" but would that be honest? He knows Akira's wishes for him to be better and get out of the abyss where he has driven himself in. And who knows, maybe Kotone wishes that, too, for some extend. If her hand in his is any indication.

But then he thinks back to the bar episode, where he had been fully ready to kill Dazai with any cost. That feeling had been real, and one where he kept finding comfort. As much as it'll tear him apart from the few connections he has established he can't make false promises.]

I can't say for certain. But if I do it'll be my own choice. Not someone else's. [He's done playing murderous puppet for others.]

I wouldn't have killed you tonight.