I met her eyes through the mask and spoke quietly.
"I think you deserve it more than me. With this… I don't have to worry about you getting hurt. It can give me peace of mind, knowing you will not be in any danger."
Akane went completely still. A single tear slipped from the corner of her eye, then another, trailing down beneath the black mask and disappearing into the fabric. More followed, quiet and uncontrolled.
"…You…"
I stepped closer, reached up, and gently wiped the tears that had escaped with my thumb. My voice stayed soft.
"Don't feel guilty about it, okay? I chose this. You didn't force anything on me."
Her composure finally cracked. A soft sob broke from her throat. She didn't push my hand away, but her shoulders trembled once under the black cloak.
"Tell me the truth," she said, voice unsteady. "Why are you so good to me? Just because I am Yuko's master? Is that the only reason?"
