[Gino's nervousness is plain on his face. Shinya understands. Sympathizes. He's nervous too, a strange mix of elation and adrenaline and tension surging through his veins. They're teetering on the edge of a precipice, and he doesn't know what lies at the bottom, only what lies behind them: weeks and months and years of building frustrations, cumulating in this moment. It's not pleasant, exactly, but it's not bad either. It's familiar territory, safe and secure. He can understand the appeal of that.

Even now, he can still guide them back from the brink. It would only take a second - he only has to climb off Gino and offer his hand, helping him up as well.

But he's never been one to turn tail and hide.

He's never been one to force his attentions on someone when they're unwanted, either.

Carefully, Shinya loosens his grip on Gino's hand, and looks down at him, calm and utterly focused, in a way different from his intensity a moment before. He's made his decision. It's time for Gino to make his.]

You remember what we've discussed this morning, [he says, quiet.] You know my feelings on the matter. I don't like asking you the same thing again and again, but...

If you really don't want this, then I won't ask you again. Or if you need more time to consider, I can drop this until you're ready. [He's starting to ramble, isn't he? But he want Gino to know all his options.] Just -

Be honest with me.