“Hmph…” A wry smile twisted his lips. “Maybe. Or maybe neither one of them would’ve gotten hurt…”

His implication was fairly clear. Though, considering Shinji’s reaction earlier, Akihiko thought it would be better not to state it outright. His honesty apparently caused others to become angry with him. But he would be lying if he claimed not to have run that alternate scenario through his head, over and over.

He blinked in surprise at Minako, but didn’t move away from her hand. “I’m done wasting my time on tears, but that doesn’t mean I’ll stop trying to get stronger. I’ll stay with you guys till the end, and we’re not there yet. Don’t worry about me. I’m not needed as much as the others, like you, Mitsuru, or Fuuka.”