What does Akechi want out of this? How does he even begin to respond?

Ren's right that it's better to be honest and direct. The trouble comes from his own repression.

Really, he still can't fathom it. Friendship is one thing, likewise with rivalry, but what Ren's proposing... It's so open, so vulnerable. Akechi has hurt him before. Is Ren truly willing to take chances?

...

That's a stupid question. Of course he is. Akechi was his wish, and all Akechi wanted...

Ugh. It's so stupid. So laughably sentimental. Simple things, like chess games after school, without any of those godforsaken complications.

"You really are unusual." He's said as much many times before. "Surely you know I'm not one to back down from a challenge."

Whatever that means. It's not as though anyone else could even compare to whatever it is they have.