[...The man looks genuinely dissatisfied with his judgment. Nishi suspected he might, but it leaves the greater question lingering— if it wasn't love, elusive and inescapable, then what was it Ainosuke showed him?

He takes a sip from his glass, barely tasting it, thoughts elsewhere.]

That much is true, but that's why I can't call what you showed me love. If you want my honest appraisal... your "love" felt curiously hollow. I could speculate as to why, of course, though I doubt you'd appreciate the intrusion.

[Not like that would stop Nishi.]