His jaw fell lax, like a fish waiting for a coherent word to drift into his mouth. He leapt toward the ground floor, darting back and forth in search of another entrance. He glanced at Koizumi repeatedly for reasons he failed to place: there had to be another exit, right? She'd heard all of that, right? And more to the point: she didn't think he staged it...right? His expression drooped with every pass.

The simple entryway didn't seem to have room for secrets or side paths. However, very real bandages pressed into his collarbone as he walked back toward the staircase, still dazed. Very real terror still hung in the air between him and the wide-eyed woman who'd saved his life. [i]And this is what she gets in return...?[/i] He stopped walking and gave his best effort to look at her, but his eyes only made it to her kneecaps.

"I...um. I'm sorry for imposing on you, Ms. Koizumi." [i]Keep your door locked. Please.[/i] There was no way to say it without further incriminating himself. After everything she'd done for him, this was all he could give.