[Does he?! He still feels like he can't possibly be understanding this right—but at this point, there's nothing left to think. The reality is finally beginning to penetrate his skull. Kyosuke had said he loved him, and then kissed him. His brain looks for any other possible way to interpret it and comes up blank. The only explanation is . . . this, right here.

He manages not to lean in and close the distance again, but it takes a lot of effort; for a moment he looks like he might. His expression overall has no fucking idea what to do other than look stunned, until finally, he begins to smile. Awkward, tentative, but how can he help it?!]

Aah . . . sorry if I . . . got carried away there.

[That is like .000001% of how carried away he could get right now. He could literally carry Kyosuke away, all the way back to his room. No! Don't get caught up in that shit yet!]

I, uh. Uhhh. —I . . . guess now isn't really the time to work everything out.

[God, that's right. Not five minutes ago, Kyosuke had been absolutely losing his shit, and with good reason. Juzo swallows down a lump in his throat. How selfish is he to even think about this right now when he should be supportive instead?!]

Can you walk yet? You've gotta get dried off. You could probably use a drink, too. I'll—I'll be here however you need me, Kyosuke. Just leave it to me.