Yup, that sure is a deflection - Ren is quite familiar with the tactic, since it’s one he has been known to use himself from time to time. He’s even used it with Akechi, in fact, and fairly recently.

“Are you really going to live your life based on what my friends think? That’s not like you.”

The smallest hint of a smile turns up one corner of his mouth, and he gently shakes his head.

“We’ve had friction before. We worked it out - that’s what we do. They may not understand, but they don’t have to. It’s not their life, and it’s not their decision to make. You’re a part of me, and anyone who can’t accept us hasn’t really accepted me at all.”

Even in this dreamspace, Ren’s instinct is to put his own needs and desires at the back of the line. Akechi is so stubborn, and pushing too hard will only push him away entirely. That’s the last thing Ren wants. He drops his hand from Akechi’s shoulder and casts his gaze downward.

“If you truly don’t want this - if you don’t want me, then tell me. I can live with that decision as long as it’s yours and yours alone. But be entirely honest, with both of us. Don’t refuse me because you think you need to keep me at a distance for my own good.”