[DARK HOUR]
"Wake up, Aki." Shinjiro stood at the foot of Akihiko's bed.
"Sh-Shinji?! How are you—"
"I came by for a visit. You're getting stronger." Shinjiro was wearing the same, long, red peacoat as always, along with his black beanie. His wore a solemn expression.
"I thought you were gone for good, Shinji… I went to your funeral, man. How could you just leave me like that?"
"Don't get your hopes up. I'm not here to stay." Shinjiro sat at the foot of Akihiko's bed, facing the wall. "I just came…to apologize. I was unable to accomplish my mission."
"Shinji…You have nothing to apologize for. It's not your fault. It…it was Strega. And Ken, he forgives you. You saved his life."
"I was going to die either way, but…I could have taken those idiots out. I could have put off my death until after…" Shinjiro's voice trailed off.
Akihiko's voice began to crack. "After…what, exactly? We only have one shadow left. We're going to stop Strega for good. We couldn't have gotten this far without you, Shinji."
Shinjiro remained facing forward. "By dying, I can't ensure your safety."
Akihiko felt a sudden burst of confusion and rage. He grabbed Shinjiro and pulled him back. "If that's been your goal, why did you abandon SEES for so long?! You haven't been with me for years, Shinji! How the hell is that ensuring my safety?!"
Shinjiro cupped Akihiko's face in his hands. He avoided eye contact at first, feeling embarrassed, but soon turned to look directly into Akihiko's eyes. Akihiko froze. "I realize now that it was a mistake to abandon SEES. But, Aki… I've been keeping an eye on you this whole time. You and Ken. Not that it matters now, but if I knew something was going to happen to you, I woulda jumped in and given my life to protect yours."
"That's a pretty funny thing to hear from a dead guy." Akihiko pushed Shinjiro's hat off and pressed his forehead to Shinjiro's. He turned serious again. "Shinji… Everyone I've come to love has died. You were only back for a short time…I thought we were going to be together for good."
Shinjiro closed his eyes. "I'm sorry, Aki… I wanted to be there for you. Dammit, Aki, I loved you too. All this time has passed, and I've never been able to tell you."
Tears rolled down Akihiko's face. "Shinji…"
"This is my last chance, Aki. I'm dead now, so there's no point in being embarrassed anymore. I'm here now, but I won't be here much longer." Shinji quickly pressed his lips against Akihiko's. Akihiko felt a twinge in his heart. He held Shinjiro close as they spent their last night together.
Akihiko and Shinjiro spent a special evening together…