[Makishima just scoffs as his fingers thread through his hair for a second, eyes cast off to the side. It's easy for Tadokoro to say such a thing because he's not in Makishima's place. But then, he's never been one to over think a situation. His gut instinct has always been his go-to way to handle anything. ...actually he just plainly uses his gut for everything, thinking and eating.]

No, that's not what I'm worried about. Even if I said no and didn't accept their feelings, it wouldn't change how we are now.

[Toudou had assured him that of that. They'd still be rivals. He'd still pester him on a daily basis. Nothing would change. Not on the outside. But the thought of him harboring unrequited feelings over him was like a strong blow to the stomach, like the strain in your muscles from cycling too hard, a pain that wouldn't ever leave.

It feels like he'd be breaking his promise to him for their one and final race. Leaving Toudou alone to feel this way by himself... it didn't feel right. No matter how he feels about Toudou, he doesn't want to genuinely hurt him.]

Saying no feels like a burden. I don't know if I can give them that.