I never said you assumed wrong.

[It's a quiet confession, apparently thoughtless considering Goro covers his mouth. He shakes his head, hesitating a moment before taking Akira's wrist.

They need to sit down for this, because his legs feel like they're gonna buckle. Not how he thought this would play out... but It would have been nice if you liked me is too tempting not to follow up on, Akira's sincere regret assuring him that there's no need to act out that way.]

I, um. I do like you. I suppose a blind person would be able to tell, I'm... not very subtle about my thoughts on others, never have been. [Goro cracks a small smile.] It's half the reason I got in trouble when I was younger.

[You know. Bright and pompous kid, one-upping others, not being the most popular because of it. He's feeling weird about treating Akira the same, idly rubbing the wrist he hasn't let go of yet.]

Do you... I mean, were you just joking when you answered like that? [As mean as it was, Goro can't help but feel a little hopeful.] You can, um, make it up to me be being honest. Do you like me?

[... and hopefully this risk won't make him feel utter regret. They need to bike home, after all.]

Ah, but please don't feel pressured to reply in kind, that's not my aim.