It soothes Ren a little bit when Akechi says there’s no one else, and a little bit more when he affirms that no one else understands him like Ren does. And how could they? The two of them share a special bond, forged from conflict and cooperation and simple similarity. Akechi was more of his true self around Ren even before all of the cards were on the table. How could anyone else have the same perspective, if they haven’t endured the same trials?

To his credit, Ren manages to rein in the impulse to explain to the other teen that people knowing you is what happens when you let them in. Instead, he laughs quietly and nods.

“I know, I still owe you a rematch. Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere.”