"Why not?"

The words rang so seamlessly, as if what Kunikuzushi had just asked out of you wasn't the most absurd favor one could ever ask out of another. And to him, it wasn't.

The question he proposed earlier was rather simple for him, for you to end his misery, to put a stop in the never-ending loop of destruction and hopelessness that would follow him like his own shadow. The 'why' to him was quite simple, you were just the best thing that had ever happened to him, a ray of hope that warmed up the empty puppet that he was. And so, he believed you would be the best option at him having a dignified end.

You outright refused, feeling appalled at ending the one you so dearly called a lover. But before you could continue, Kunikuzushi cut you off.

"Please."

He added, voice hushed but with an undeniable hint of desperation that almost made his breath catch in his throat, betraying the storm brewing inside his being that threatened to well up in his eyes.