You're always so determined to protect others or fight. [ So much that he sees himself reflected in it, in a way. To have that much determination to fight something that can hardly even be fought - a curse, the Shiki - to want to take that up all by yourself, no matter how heavy that kind of thing is.. he knows exactly what it feels like. But he also knows that while he's fairly strong and indifferent, she's a little more weak than that. Not that it's a bad thing, honestly.. he.. likes that about her? It's a strange feeling that he doesn't quite get, but something about the way she's so strong yet softer too makes him care. It makes him want to protect her.

She took the first step, but now he takes a few steps over to her until he's right in front of her. His hand reaches out, landing on her shoulder. ]

But.. it's okay now, Akazawa-- no, Izumi. [ He says her first name a little softer, as if it's slightly embarassing for him too. ] It's alright. You don't have to carry all that by yourself anymore.

[ Because he doesn't want that. He doesn't want anyone to have to suffer that, he doesn't want someone so beautiful (more in personality than looks, like Natsuno cares about the latter) have to go through that.

Almost despite himself and without him realising it, the hand on her shoulder travels up until it's on her cheek instead. ]