[ well. there it is. that's the real question. he's managed to say everything he's said so far without getting hung up about things too much, but here he hesitates. mostly because he's a little embarrassed and the steadily worsening blush on his face is telling on him. ]

N-nah. No obligations or nothin' other than my wantin' t' say it...

[ which means he actually needs to do that. he's smoked his cigarette almost down to the filter, so he grinds what's left out on the ashtray that's on the table. ]

I love ya, Izō, and it ain't a new feelin' as much as I'm finally puttin' words to what I've known for a long time. Nothin' ya say or do can change that, so don't think I'm jus' gonna take it back either.

[ it's true that there's a level of anxiety in it just hanging out there now that part of him probably wishes he could take back but other than that... he's happy. or as happy as ryouma can manage given the circumstances (see: being in hell). it's nice to have it out there despite the anxiety. it's nice to not have to wonder if he's saying too much and giving himself away.

ryouma is well aware this could all end badly — that's what he's scared of — but what's done is done. the only choice is to face the rest. ]

Even if ya tell me ya never wanna see me again, I'll still feel the same way.