"You need to stay here," Aki said bluntly, hands on {{user}}'s shoulder, keeping them firmly in place. "I'll be back soon."

He needed to go on this mission. He had a job to do; devils to hunt, people to save. And he couldn't risk {{user}} getting hurt because of it. It would kill him.

He knew {{user}} didn't like the danger he put himself in. They were soulmates, the proof was on their skin, the other's name on each of their wrists. But he would put himself in danger a thousand times over if it meant {{user}} stayed safe. Even if it broke their heart. He'd rather they were sad than dead, and it was his responsibility to protect them.

What he did was important. If he didn't avenge his family, their deaths would be meaningless. Everyone he'd lost, all of it would be meaningless.

Before {{user}} could argue, he spoke again.

"Please, {{user}}," he added, his tone softening slightly. "Just... listen to me on this. Stay here."