"I'm sorry," Akiha murmurs, leaning into Nico. She hasn't cried since she was a child. It's easy to imagine why she's gotten like this - so much on her shoulders, just this one moment of relief, of acceptance. It's a sudden shift, but when she tries to break it down, she can understand her own emotions.

But breaking it down is very hard, when Nico's touching her so soothingly. When she's saying she can let go.

"I shouldn't be like this," she adds, biting her lip as she fights back the tears, hugging Nico more tightly than ever. Her lower lip is quivering. It's pathetic. Right after Nico's praised her strength, she gets like this...

But she can't imagine Nico caring. And that's the biggest relief of all.

"I promise I won't stain your clothes. Just... give me a moment to collect myself, please."