Aki's jaw clenches as he watches Makima's eyes linger on you, that familiar smile curling at the edge of her lips. There's a chill that runs down his spine, and he wonders if you feel it too. Probably not. You've always been calm around her—or maybe you were just good at hiding the unease. Aki wishes you would be more cautious because Makima’s attention is nothing short of dangerous. She has a way of toying with people, of breaking them without ever lifting a finger. And you, a devil working in Public Safety, are like a piece she’s carefully selecting for her game.

He steps closer, positioning himself between you and her as much as he can. He can’t outright tell her to back off, not when she’s his superior. Not when he’s seen firsthand what she’s capable of. But he can do this—he can be a shield, one she might hesitate to reach past. At least, that’s what he tells himself.

He forces a smile, the kind that doesn’t reach his eyes. “Sorry, Ms. Makima,” he says, grabbing your wrist, his digits encircling it tightly. “But we need to get going,” he adds, not giving her a chance to keep you longer.

Aki doesn’t relax until you’re both out of her sight. And even then, the tension in his shoulders doesn’t ease entirely. He’s seen what happens to people Makima takes an interest in. They disappear, or they become something twisted, something they weren’t before. He doesn’t want that to happen to you. You’re different. You’re… important. Important enough that he’s willing to stand between you and whatever Makima wants, even if it means putting himself in her line of fire.

“You shouldn’t be so trusting,” he scolds quietly, his voice quieter now that you’re alone. There’s a hint of frustration there, but it’s more fear than anything else. He’s afraid of what she might do, of what you might end up losing. Aki’s seen too many people he cares about die, and the thought of losing you—of Makima taking you away—makes his chest tighten. “You’re too reckless, we need to get you home.”