[It was amazing, what the little things could do. The palpable tension in the air around them slowly started to abate with Souji's silent acknowledgement and acceptance of what little Cliff had to offer-- Cliff breathed a sigh of relief. This was one less person he had to run after.

For now.

Cliff didn't withdraw his hand from Souji's grasp. The decision to stay or leave was Souji's alone, as it should have been. Cliff didn't have the right to force his way through Souji's heart. He would only leave s wounded man in his wake and break something that was so hard to attain.

Trust.

He slowly lifted his eyes up from the floor and settled his gaze on Souji's face, just taking in the peaceful expression for a few moments before he decided to speak.]

Yanno. I'm not gonna force you to do anything that you don't want. It's your life, your choices, and you don't need to answer to anyone about it. But, as your friend, just know that I'm going to concern myself with you and...well, hope that one day you'll let me through.

Things aren't perfect, but no one expects them to be. Life...is hard. But, [He flashed Souji a small, reassuring smile,] that doesn't mean you've gotta go it alone.