“......”

Ah. So Shinji had noticed his condition too. Also knew how to look past his cheerful smile and see what was really going on, despite Akihiko’s efforts at covering up his inner distress. The boxer couldn’t help stiffening at being caught, and instantly fell quiet to sort through the mental words, trying to decide what he should say out loud. If anything.

“This isn’t about me,” he replied in a soft tone, while keeping his grip steady and strong. “I’m sorry. I’ll try not to let you go too long without it. We’ve both gotta…”

Damn it, his mind was still dwelling on that subject. Akihiko pressed his lips together, barely veiling a frown that was threatening to form. Shinji couldn’t see him like this in their current position, but he didn’t want his body language to give away anything either. He was starting to feel energy return to his fatigued form, while the ailments gradually faded.

Stupid, childish fears. That’s all they were.

“…How long do you think it’s gonna be?” Akihiko suddenly asked. “Till they… send us back too.”