[Over the course of her icy declaration, Atsushi slowly lowers his arm. Where did she hear that? Was it written somewhere? Had she seen the rumors written around town? She must have seen one before and known from the moment she heard his name just what he was. No wonder she's been so uncomfortable, then. Atsushi doesn't hate her. His expression isn't one of dislike or hatred. It's briefly pained... then accepting. He feels bad for troubling her as long as he did.

His arm falls to his side. He would hurt more to hear that, if he hadn't heard it so many times before. Instead, Atsushi only feels numb and hopeless. Even his gaze drops as he nearly agrees with her.

But again. He can't. Not completely. Not after hearing her confession and knowing how much pain this person has gone through. Maybe he can't stay by her side, but he can't leave her to be alone either.]

... You're-- [right. The word almost slips out. But Atsushi, hand once offered now a clenched fist at his side, tries to keep it together. He's different.
Dazai saved him.
The Agency trusts him.
He's tried. He's trying...]

You're right. Except... It's "couldn't."

[Not can't. He's saved people now. Not enough to justify his existence, but maybe enough to change that one word. Is that too much to ask? He can't erase the nagging feeling that he's hoping for too much by suggesting it.

He can't erase her distrust either. Atsushi looks up, forcing himself to meet her gaze. She should at least know he's not angry, he decides, by seeing the look on his face.]

Vyng-san. And... and Ange-san. You can trust them. [Maybe she won't ever want to reach out to him, but he can at least offer her someone to reach out to.]

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to burden you, Inaba.