[This time, he takes a moment to pause, and then he breathes out something between a sigh and a laugh.]

Of course it does. Shouldn't it bother anyone who's accused of something? While everyone else easily let it go, you're still clinging to such an idea... I'm almost flattered.

To be honest, Hikage-kun, I'm interested because if I can discover what points suspicion to me, then I may be able to save suspicion from Goro in an emergency. Neither of us did anything, this time, but when we're left without real answers, people grow desperate.

I intend to protect him with my life.