That earned another confused little furrow of Kai's brow. That was the main flavor in his expression still, just a lot of earnest confusion. Earnest confusion, quiet curiosity, a dash of something almost close to hopeful?

Or maybe that was the flicker of hurt that came with the idea that this was something to warrant an apology. Why did it need an apology. He wasn't in a position to know the reasons behind that regret, which meant the default conclusion was that he was the problem as per usual. That thought made his stomach twist just as much as those initial words had sparked something thunderous in his heart.

When Kai finally spoke up again, it was far more hushed than he anticipated. "...But you meant it?"