It felt like drowning.
The first time she reintroduced herself, it felt like trying to swim in the dark sea as their eyes, filled with pain she had caused, threatened to drag her down. And she would let herself drown, let herself sit, a rusting statue waiting to earn forgiveness. She could do that, meet their hatred with a peaceful face and open heart. Even if she was biting her tongue, she would sit and emulate the young teen who had tunneled her way into every Sohma’s heart. If Tohru Honda could do this, Akito knew she could as well.