[He just nods briskly, along with the vague answer.] At the orphanage. [He used to give his food to Miki, because she never had enough to eat, and he didn’t want to see her suffer…]
......
[His expression suddenly turns serious. Akihiko can’t always pretend that everything is all right, no matter how hard he tries. It takes him some effort to articulate the next words in a firm tone.]
You don’t have to pretend anymore, Minako. I know now.
[His voice trembles just barely, toward the end of the last sentence. But as is customary, Akihiko quickly slips on his usual cool mask of strength, and manages to finish his thought without falter.]
So… take care. Please.
[He stares at Minako, and his gray eyes betray a hint of vulnerability from the way they burn with intensity, just for a brief instance. A beat later, he turns away and ends the connection.]
video
......
[His expression suddenly turns serious. Akihiko can’t always pretend that everything is all right, no matter how hard he tries. It takes him some effort to articulate the next words in a firm tone.]
You don’t have to pretend anymore, Minako. I know now.
[His voice trembles just barely, toward the end of the last sentence. But as is customary, Akihiko quickly slips on his usual cool mask of strength, and manages to finish his thought without falter.]
So… take care. Please.
[He stares at Minako, and his gray eyes betray a hint of vulnerability from the way they burn with intensity, just for a brief instance. A beat later, he turns away and ends the connection.]