[ There's patience, and he spends just a couple of seconds watching him twist the ring. He could reassure him that he doesn't have to talk about it? Maybe... he should...?

His eyes widen the second he hears that first sentence. And his mouth opens... only to close again. So, the Akira he knew was killed. And he was in the first round-... season, apparently. He decides not to ask for details regarding that part. ]

So that's why you asked about the mall... [ a pause ] ... The Reaper Games were a little similar to that. They had multiple rounds.

[ For a moment, he has a hint of conflict in his eyes. Sometimes this word just feels... cheap, and yet: ]

... I'm sorry, too.

[ In a situation like this, it feels only fitting. Nobody deserved to go through any of it, and it won't make a damn difference in what they went through, but with this? Maybe it's because it feels like, if there's anyone here (other than his boyfriends) who could understand what happened, this guy comes... incredibly close. ]

Say, are you... hungry or thirsty, by any chance?

[ He just wants a. Brief moment of thinking about something else, before any further questions are asked...... ]