[When Ayaka looks away from him, he can feel a burning in his chest that practically screams that he's managed to finally say the wrong thing here, despite his skill in navigating situations.

Thoma sees how he's embarrassed her a little, and he's still trying to process his own emotions and thoughts from before. Coupled by the terror that still grips him from the darkness that's settled in, he's got to make a decision here and get through this. He can do it. It's just going to be a little hard.]

No, I'm sorry for reacting the way I did. Please, allow me another chance to redeem myself.

[If it's the work of faeries, then this is probably the only solution. Ayaka won't stop hiccuping for who knows how long if they don't cure it. And it's not like they haven't kissed before.]

It's just a kiss, right? If it cures this ailment, and you're comfortable with it, then it's fine.

[But even thinking about it is making his heart thump in his chest.]