I know.

[Something heavy lodges in his throat, but he does his best to push it down. Kotone needs him to be strong right now, right? Well, other than him being physically beaten down, but emotionally, yes. He can do that. She's the one that hurt him badly, there's no changing that, and he needs to reassure her in any way he can. It feels more important than ever.] You're the most important to me too. I love you.

[That's easy to say at least, without any hitch or doubt in his voice, letting her cup his cheeks as he looks at her through the protection of his glasses. This is one of those times he wishes that he could take them off, let her see the emotion and assurance in his eyes, but he can't. He just has to let it convey elsewhere, wanting her to read him as much as possible, when he might be trying to cover up otherwise with someone else. She's the only person that he's fully vulnerable with, they promised long ago.

He brings his hand over to one of hers, keeping it there.] I want you to take care of yourself, okay?

[...Is that not enough though? He knows how Kotone is. Probably because he'd react in a very similar way.] And stay by me. Having you near me helps.