[ the evening might have been a disaster, but even listening to vie now, jaejin knows the pros far outweigh the cons. he's sure he wouldn't be singing the same tune if he'd been left to his own devices. but with a frown tugging at the corner of his lips, he can't decide if vie is right in that he can't apologize. ]

I still started it. [ and he realizes how childish that sounds, sighing. even with that said, he knows if he had to make that choice again, he would still ask vie for help. he wonders if this is what it means to rely on each other, putting the other in harm's way. the fear from before is still there, just under his skin, but it's far quieter now. ] You surprised me, if I'm being honest. I knew you could handle yourself, but I was still worried for you.

[ letting his gaze stray to vie's hand on his thigh, he tries for a tentative smile, quiet and understated. he can feel the ache setting in already. he knows he'll be in a lot of pain sooner rather than later. ]

And you are the only one allowed to. [ even if that lacks the tease it was meant to have. even if vie hadn't meant it, he's positive he convinced them just fine. ]