[ Oh shit. What did he say? Did he go too far? Is it since he sucks at putting things he really wants to say into words properly without trying to word it in some other way?

It has to be. She's crying, after all. Here he was trying to reassure her that it was fine, that she didn't have to do anything special for him, but Kiyomi's response is to cry. Did he really do something that stupid? Why does it keep happening like this, with everyone reacting in such unexpected ways to the things he says..

There's a part of him that wants to run away, avoid being hurt further, but he can't. Not while she's crying. He definitely can't leave her alone like this, his heart already hurts enough just seeing Kiyomi cry. Even though she puts up such a strong front usually.. ]

Don't.. don't apologize.

[ His expression drops a little bit before leaning in close to her, gently giving her a (very chaste) kiss on the lips, almost as if to reassure her or calm her down. Itsuki can feel his cheeks light up at the sensation of her soft lips against his own, but that's not what matters right now. He has to say things properly for once, he has to make this okay again somehow. Because even if there's some other people he wouldn't bat an eyelash at if they got worked up because of him, Kiyomi is different. Especially when it's to the point of crying. ]

I-- I want you. But I want you just as you, that's what I'm saying.. [ He swallows, worried that he's saying it the wrong way even now. But he holds her gaze, trying his best to not look away even with his heart racing in his chest from her presence and sheer neves. ]

Just as Kiyomi. Even if it's hard.. [ It's difficult for him to imagine, since he does know who he is - or thinks he does, anyway - but he does want to take Kiyomi's problems seriously. ] Just.. don't think too much about it.