[ admittedly, he's disappointed when the contact breaks, the action of separating their joined hands more painful than he'd previously imagined. ryoji knows the aching sensation must be tenfold for minato, but if he can manage to do this now, won't it make their fate that much easier to bear?

there aren't any words he can string together to make this any easier for the both of them, but he owes, at least, an explanation of some sort, doesn't he? is that fair?

he doesn't realize he's averted his eyes until he's glancing back to register minato's facial expression, an overwhelming guilt plaguing him once more. ryoji swallows thickly, doing his best not to let his expression falter. ]

If we don't change, won't our inevitable farewell hurt that much more? I'll be causing enough damage as it is, since you won't accept my offer..

[ why won't he kill him? he doesn't understand, even now.