[heck, he knows better than most that the world is full of arbitrary rules and thick, black lines that people are expected to follow. and no matter what Akira's more impulsive side might tell him to do, he has enough restraint to know when keeping his head down is far more important than his pride. than his freedom]

[. . . which is a bit infuriating, actually. but he isn't thinking about that now. rather, it's the ruefulness of her smile he catches, and his head tilts to the side slightly as his own expression softens a bit. not into something warm, no. but maybe something more wistful?]

[it's hard to say]

I'm doing pretty well for myself right now. [Phantom Thieves, and all that] But-- thanks.

[and then, lightly, tasingly]

Here's to hoping any weird looks and commentary you get for polishing off pastries so quickly stop, too.