Given the circumstances, Ken had his entire focus and attention. He's listening, and listening carefully, even leaning in a little to catch the whispered words. It's a clear struggle for Ken to give voice to it. A painful memory.

"Fuck."

What else was there to be said? He liked the guy, was fond of him even. It was hard not to be. There was a certain thing about him, despite how quiet he could be, that drew people in. And Shinjiro had watched him - he knew that the guy was actually darting around all over to make his friends happy. Trying to figure out his schedule gave him a headache. He pretended to keep himself at a distance ... but like the rest of S.E.E.S., Shinjiro did end up caring about the guy despite himself.

And despite how he helped hold that ragtag group of kids together - he's dead.

He mentioned a sacrifice, a price, giving something up. For - what, defeating the last Shadow? Fuck, if Shinjiro knew that was an option, it should've been him doing it. He can't help his expression of pain, gritting his teeth.

But instead of balling his hand in a fist - he reached out, unable to stop himself, intending to put a gentle hand on Ken's head. His next words encompassed - everything. Three years ago. Last night (from his own perspective). Six months later (from Ken's perspective). Everything. His voice was hoarse.

"I'm sorry."