[ At that, Akihiko takes a small, sharp breath. He could try to reassure Ken, but - ]

I'm scared too. I don't know how to fix what's going on back home.

[ The shadows, the fact that Mitsuru has lost her father. Shinji's death is still a raw wound even now. ]

You're not weak, though, for being afraid. Nobody's fearless. We'll figure out how to be brave together, though, right? It's easier when someone's with you.