I, I-I get it, I get it! [he waves his hands a bit, embarrassed for him and guilty for himself. he clears his throat, ducking his head briefly.] As much as I can, I get it, okay?

[as much as he can. damn, it's not like he needs to really know a person to be willing to take a bullet for them, but Manabu's only known James for a handful of hours and already he's worried more about his wellbeing than most anyone else's so far!]

Sorry. I'm not going out of my way to be a hassle [press x to doubt], I'm just...trying to do the right thing.

[while also trying to outrun the feelings of futility that want to grab at his ankles and drag him down. as one does.]