[ his expression smooths for a moment, as if he understands, and then, he can't help the way he frowns. ]

Why? [ it's an almost selfish question, balancing himself in a way he can reach out and take jaejin's hands in his. he presses them both against his chest. ] You did what you could, and I'm still here. We both are. [ but maybe it's not that simple. maybe that's not what he means. ] Perfect planning wouldn't have kept us entirely safe. What you did – I could have never done that. You saved me from my own mistakes, and I don't know how to tell you how much it means to me that you're still here.

[ there's a 'but' coming though. vie can feel it on the tip of his tongue, and since this is the first time that jaejin's made any indication of what he needs, then he shouldn't try to fight him on it. he wants to take care of him too, and if this is how he really begins to do that, he'll do whatever he can until he has a better grasp on their situation. ]

If that's what you need, then I want to give it to you. But you need to talk to me, too.