Akira's chest tightened as the words slipped out, "…He's gone, isn't he?"
"Yes."
Zaelek did not lie.
Silence followed.
Akira closed his eyes.
For a long moment, he said nothing.
"I'm pathetic, aren't I…?" he began, a faint, almost amused exhale leaving him, "Even after everything that had happened. I still... Forgive him."
Zaelek watched him quietly.
"Maybe you were right about me," he shook his head with a small sigh, "I wasn't looking for the truth. I was just looking for an excuse to forgive him."
Zaelek did not look happy as he heard this. In fact, he had wanted to be wrong.
Back then, he had said those words out of frustration and jealousy... But he would never admit it.
A few minutes passed, and in the background, the police had started escorting all the guests out. They looked like they also wanted the three individuals on the stage to leave, but were too afraid to approach, still considering Zaelek a potential threat.
