[ yuuji looks a bit surprised, staring up at the other boy with a dumbfounded stare— not sure what provoked that reaction. he was kind enough to let the other finish, staying quiet for extra few seconds as if he was unsure what to say.

and then with a gentle 'ah!' — it hits him. that's when he relaxed his shoulders with a lighthearted chuckle, not taunting the sweet gesture but now reassuring him in return. one of his hands reaches for akira's, settling gently on top. ]

Akira ... I trust you. We both do. I don't want you to ever feel the need to prove yourself to us. We wouldn't allow you to stay if we felt you were a threat to our safety.

[ let those words sink in; there is no need for either of them to speak about this again. akira is part of their family now and nothing will change that. ]

I'm just interested in you.