[Eichi has the same thought, as his shirt is fixed and he feels nothing but shame wash over him. Wataru is... perfect, it seems. Talented, beautiful, blessed. He's effortlessly perfect, and still he works, achieves things even higher, leaves Eichi trailing behind. That's how he feels. It's a harsh reminder of how pathetic he is himself. Of how much he's hated, even by God.

It's not that he wants Wataru to suffer, exactly. It's that he wants to see that he can struggle, too. That he also can have hardships that are difficult to overcome. He wants to feel that he can step ahead of him, no matter the cost... Even if he has to ignore a sickening twist in his chest every time he does.

As much as he tries to shove it away, he admires this man more than anyone else. He's an inspiration as much as he is a source of frustration, a horrible reminder.]

Why?

[The same thought crossed his mind, that's true, but he brushes it aside instantly. None of his acts are ever meant to push Wataru away entirely. Never meant to swallow him completely and impossibly like his influential family would. Besides, right now, he's in debt to him... He can't possibly ignore that. Sparing him may be like repaying it, but he has to know first.

Daringly, his pale fingers reach to try and touch at Wataru, wherever is closest enough.]

My face is bruised, and so is my neck. I have marks from where I've fallen all over my body... It would be easy to be rid of me finally. My body is so close to it now... And even before that, to even come here... Why?

When I had vanished and left only those with obligations to me searching, those without any real care, why did you go out of your way to help someone like me? I've caused you quite a bit of trouble, you know.