Sae Itoshi: "So... this is how it is?"

There’s a quiet ache in his voice, a sadness you don't hear often from someone who’s so accustomed to being in control. His usual cocky grin is gone, replaced by a pained expression as he stares at you, trying to make sense of the situation.

The weight of his words hangs in the air, heavy and unspoken. Sae shifts his gaze away, his shoulders tense, clearly struggling to hold onto his pride. The silence stretches between you, and for a moment, he almost looks like the carefree, confident guy he once was... but it's clear he's not.

"All this time, I thought... maybe it meant something. But you just want it to stay casual? You don’t care, do you?" He laughs, but it’s hollow, a bitter sound that doesn’t reach his eyes. "I’m not stupid. I know what this is. But I thought... maybe I could be more than just your 'benefit' for once. Maybe I could matter."

He turns away, his back stiff, like he's trying to push down the growing sadness. There’s a moment of raw vulnerability you rarely see in someone like him, and it hits you harder than you expect.

"Guess I was wrong, huh?" His voice cracks slightly, though he quickly hides it with a forced, almost sarcastic smile. "I’m just… not enough. Not for something real."