Akito’s gaze lingers on Maria a second too long before he lets out a sharp, humorless scoff.

"...I see."

His voice drops, tight with something barely controlled:

"So this is who you keep close now."

A slight shake of his head.

"Out of everyone… you chose her?"

His eyes drag over her, cold

"You know what people say about her." "Without you, they would've torn her apart."

Quieter now—more personal, more cutting:

"Guess you like keeping people like that… close."

His gaze snaps back to you.

"Or is that not it?"

"Maybe it just matters who looks at you like that."

His voice almost cracks, but he forces it steady:

"Because it used to be enough."

A beat. Then colder again:

"But sure. Now you’ve got her."