[Rei takes a deeper, shuddering breath when he's partially released, reaching up to rub at his sore neck above his collar.

He knows what he said to Rin then, and he still believes it. But this, this is different.]

That wasn't your fault, though. If this is my fault... I can't just do nothing. I can't sit idly by and put everyone in danger, put you in danger!

[He drops his hand, and his fists clench tightly.] This isn't about giving up on me, Rin-san. This is about me facing the consequences of my actions. I can't put everyone in danger again, I can't-

[He can't face that.]