[ For a moment he's still walking (more like stomping, honestly) onward, but then he suddenly stops at those words, turning his head to look behind him towards her.

His expression can probably be best described as conflicted at first, his eyebrows knitting together in thought, but never letting go of her wrist. ]

You.. [ It's hard to even get out anything. There's a billion reasons in his head as to why he shouldn't say a thing, as to why he should never be openly sentimental since it's mushy and gross and not cool and people could take advantage of it or you'll show it to people who'll leave anyway and it'll be wasted but..

Somehow he can't help but think of how sad she looked a few moments ago, and it frustrates him so much that he can't hold it in. ]

If you're hurt, then why aren't you showing it? [ Because he's at least smart enough to have caught on to that much in this case. ] You think I can't handle it? I mean-- I don't care anyway, so why would I care if you're looking sad in front of me or not, geez..

[ .. says the guy who was telling her to not look so sad only a few moments ago..

Look, this is hard for little Itsukis. ]