[ Without giving it a second thought, Kaede scoots the piano bench closer and takes his hands in hers. ]

I do want your help. We’re friends, aren’t we?

[ She gives him a small smile, but then she takes a breath, her expression more serious. ]

You did what you had to do, Ishimaru-kun. I know you feel guilty, and that guilt will probably never totally go away. But… I don’t think any of us see you as stained or a cruel killer. It’s not like you put yourself in that situation, or came up with some big plan to kill someone.