[ He attempts to keep bunching his jaw, but his hold loosens. It's difficult to maintain a serious expression when she's asking him to promise such things. It's difficult with her fingers drawing on the back. It's difficult to tell her that he doesn't want to promise such things, because he doesn't deserve them.

He's forgiven. He was wrong. He's forgiven. He can change. He can become a little better than who he was before.

He understands that as that's what his heart really wanted for him! He understands that he wants that for himself -- the chance to say that he could be a better, less vile person!

But even if he changes into those things, even if he forgives himself for what he has done, he can't like himself anymore than what he does. Which is obviously an abysmal amount. He has to admit that now that he's seen how his heart views his own existence.

His eyes close. ]

You're my senior, Pyra. [ A ghost of a smile touches his lips. ] So, that's what you meant before ... about being immortal. [ Ah, he got it wrong. ]

Pyra, I need your help. [ He opens his eyes. ] I will die of guilt if I don't know how to fix what I ruined in my heart.