[ ... Oh.

Oh.

Rinne's chest grows tight. Suddenly, all those little worries and doubts he never thought he had are as light as a feather, swept away by the autumn breeze and rain. Loving someone was all he ever wanted to do—what he was born to do—but he couldn't just ask someone to love him back. Rulers don't do that. Weaklings do. Becoming an idol was his dream—he could love everyone and ask for their love, and everyone would return it wholeheartedly. Then he learned that his idol couldn't feel love at all.

What happened next was nothing special. It was the least he could do. Was this the result of all that?

Rinne rubs her eyes dry with his thumbs and cradles her face in his hands. They might be rougher than hers, but they're there. ]

What, were you scared of lying to me, too? [ He laughs. ] But I've been eating up your lies ever since your debut.

[ He presses his forehead against Ai's and whispers in a volume meant just for her: ]

You don't have to apologize for that, Ai. I already knew.

[ Ever since she showed him that picture of her with her children, he always knew. And now, with everything he's ever wanted smiling so beautifully in his arms, he can't help but pour his heart out. ]

I've always wanted someone to love a wreck like me, too.

[ Their next kiss is deep and hot. Rinne's heart hasn't stopped racing since, and he can only thank the rain for singing over the sound of it. ]