[ Ten whole tatami mats had seemed like a lot of space before but now it feels like hardly anything at all. Barely even enough to breathe. But that's fine with Ai - breathing room would just be a waste with what she wants right now. Rinne's hand in hers is like an anchor, keeping her grounded even when she feels like she's on the verge of floating off into the stars and when he finally speaks up again, Ai squeezes it gently. Just once, as reassurance. ]

Mm. I know.

[ She thinks she does, anyway. Rinne's always been so persistent and so warm but... she still hasn't said it back. She still hasn't told him everything. Before they do this, she should give him a chance to back out, shouldn't she?

Ai turns to him, properly. Like before, her smile is just a little troubled. ]

... I've always really wished somebody would. Properly, I mean. Even all the parts that are dirty and wrong. ... Especially those parts. All I've ever wanted is for somebody to see all that and tell me it's okay. That they accept me.

[ She doesn't want him to tell her she's perfect. That she's untarnished and pretty and pure. Because what happens then when that inevitably changes? Where would she be then?

She knows Rinne doesn't need her to be flawless. It's okay for her to be weak and small and pathetic in front of him. But...

Just once, she wants to hear someone say it. ]

I really... really want that person to be you, Rinne-kun.