Why can't Nico see that she was asking eagerly? For how much she tries to act like an adorable idol, she can be incredibly cruel. Akiha's silent for a moment as they walk, then turns to look back at Nico over her shoulder.

"Just drop it, Yazawa. I'm sorry I ever asked," she murmurs, arms stiff at her side, like she's forcing herself to keep them there. She doesn't sound nearly as confident as she did five seconds ago. She turns around and, ridiculously, brings a hand up to her face to check for tears, hoping Nico doesn't catch the motion. So many bizarre feelings are piling up right now, even though she hasn't cried since she was a little girl - what is she supposed to be feeling?

She at least isn't crying, she realizes. Thank goodness. She takes a breath and tries to keep herself going. This isn't Nico's fault. She doesn't know what's going on in Akiha's head, because Akiha's never told her.

"... So you don't need to worry about it," she decides on saying, mostly just to try and fill the air.