They weren't kind because they had to be, you realize. [He presses the point of his chin into Akira's chest for a moment, scowling slightly.]

[But then he lets up, clearly not caring much for the mention of Maruki or his reality, but allowing it in favor of deciphering the statement.] ...I think you decided that for them. You decided their happiest lives didn't include you, or didn't need you, because there wasn't a need for the Phantom Thieves. [He scrunches his face, not-quite frowning and twisting a lock of his hair between his fingers, similar to the nervous tic Akira does on his own.] ...you don't have to be helping someone to be in their lives. You don't have to be needed to be wanted. [He should really listen to his own advice, but, yolo.]