[ Indeed, despite the sweltering heat of summer, Noir could feel the chill, that he'd tremble if he wasn't so tense. Stupid, he thought to himself, stupid. That was the worst way possible to start the talk. He breathed in when Riye breathed out, readying himself for what to come. As close as they had gotten as of late, he wouldn't blame Riye for being wary about him ー in fact he'd rather her to be so, and was ready to hear words of rejection, or even chasing him out. ]

...Eh?

[ What she said was such a surprise that he lifted his head up right away. He didn't know what he was expecting, but it wasn't this. ]

No. I didn't know what was going on until after it all died down. But I know for sure now, that it was my responsibility.

[ With that, he lowered his head again, deeper than before. ]

And for that, I'm really sorry. It's not something that can be forgiven, but I still owe you and everyone else an apology.