[ Rinne's lips part, his eyes showing only the slightest hint of surprise. It's not like he didn't know. It's something he thinks about sometimes. How would Ai's children react if they knew their mother was seeing someone new? How would it make them feel? If they hated him, he thinks he could take it. He knew what it was like to feel unwelcome in his own home. He still remembers the cold bite of winter as he walked past households looking at him as if he were some sort of monster. For Ai, he was ready to live like that.

But he knows Ai won't let him. ]

I figured that was the case.

[ Rinne tucks a lock of her violet hair behind her ear and gently with his knuckles, he caresses her cheek. She must have been so nervous. He can still see it in the way she breathes, the way she blinks at her own reflection as if it's hard to look at. But Rinne is patient. He soothes her shoulder. His smile is fond. ]

You three looked so happy in that picture. You wanted to tell me back then, didn't you?

It's hard raising kids on your own, especially when you're not allowed to tell them how you feel. Ever since my mother died, I couldn't—

[ No. This isn't about him.

He takes her by the hand and gets on his knees. ]

Ai. Look at me?