[It is maybe the nicest thing Akechi has ever done in his life, to only give Mai a flat, deeply disproving look instead of lashing out and tearing her argument to utter shreds.

Instead he rolls his eyes and returns to looking out the window. If nothing else, it's nice to see the deep snow of Wintermute is behind them. Already, the shining of the sun is warming him up from the inside out. For awhile, he thought the chill within him would be permanent.]

I'm not a charity case. [He doesn't need anyone to listen to his hurt or hold his hand while he cries or squeeze him with hugs until he remembers how nice being cared for actually feels. Akechi is self-aware enough to know he isn't fine, but after his life, he really shouldn't be allowed to be fine anyway. He's managing and that is enough.]

But do what you like. I will be fully honest with you, I'm not interested in making friends with anyone in this place, but I wouldn't completely mind someone to share my ongoing theories and new findings with.