So his instincts are correct, then. That black goo is something to be on edge about. And yet... Akira says he's fine.

There's a very real look of worry on his face for a few seconds before he manages to rein it in. Akira just needs rest. That's all. If it was more serious, he would have been alerted, and they would already be taking the required steps.

"Understood. I apologize for being so worried, it's simply that..."

There's a quiet pause, an awkwardness in the air as he tries to sort through it all... He finds himself speaking what comes to mind.

"I cherish my time with you. It feels... real. You speak with me as an equal, on a wavelength no one else shares. I can't say I can recall ever knowing something like that before I met you."

As much as he cherishes his Ren, Dove's memories of him are far too hazy to be able to fully lean into it. Dove will always care for him, but... in a world of lies and no true memory, and his first taste of freedom... Akira is the first friendship he can truly recall.

"You are..."

...But he stops, realizing that perhaps he's said too much. Not to mention that Akira isn't feeling well.

"...Apologies, I spoke without thinking."