[When he doesn't accept the handkerchief at first and just rubs at his face with his hands and sleeve, then even reaches into his pocket... Aki figured he was rejecting it, turning down the offer, and his hand lowered slowly. Uncertain. Then, suddenly, it was taken anyway and in return was placed more money than anyone had ever given him before.]

Uh... huh?

[Even more uncertain. Aki stared down at the money in his palm, sticky with mucus and tears. Mentally adding up the bills and coins - This is enough for... for a whole month's worth of curry bread at the convenience store. And he's handing it to him?]

Wait, huh?

[Because now this didn't feel right. Why was he being paid...? Still with his hand held out, unwilling to accept the money, Aki shook his head twice.]

I don't - want any money.

[Which was true. He didn't really want for money. He was comfortable, got an allowance, could easily ask for a few coins to get curry bread if he wanted to. Even if this guy was rich (...doubtful), taking money for doing a deed like this felt scummy.]

I was just helping... 'Cause he looked so sad. He was crying. I've never seen a devil crying.

[He shook the hand holding the money, offering it back out.]

Here, take it back. Um, you can keep that, too. [The handkerchief. He kind of didn't want it back now.]