As Akechi responded to her question with the exact answer she'd somehow known was coming, she felt her heart sink. Despite knowing what it was going to be, she'd allowed herself to hope for something different, because she knew all too well how it felt, and it's a feeling she'd never wish on anyone— and perhaps that part of him would be surprised to know that he was included in that.

Her feelings toward him might have been complicated, but they were teammates after all; Violet thought to herself that there was even the potential for them to be friends, now that they had the chance.

"Um, it's okay. You don't have to apologize." Her smile was a little awkward, but genuine nonetheless. "I mean... yes, it's upsetting to hear, but not because—" She broke off, shaking her head for a moment, trying to find the words to say what was on her mind. "Honestly, I'm not a very happy person either." In fact, just like him, one of her two selves had been desperately seeking her own death before a kind stranger had helped put them back together. "But... I think we can learn to be.

So, no. I won't leave you behind."

And in fact, it was inspiration from the stranger's actions that informed the next of her own, as she reached out to offer him her hand.

"But if you want to look for him together, you have to know that I won't let you beat him up, either. Okay?"