I’d like to focus on Mikuni’s expressions in these panels. I can’t say for certain that Mikuni is being 100% truthful and genuine with his feelings in these particular panels, but I do know that this is not the first time Mahiru has caught Mikuni off guard. At first Mikuni looks pretty shocked, as if no one has ever brought up the idea of him being worried about Tsurugi before. As if Mahiru has somehow gotten to the route of a certain issue he is facing, but not exactly willing to admit. Then Mikuni’s expression turns soft, almost like he’s reminiscing about his days with Tsurugi.
Almost like he’s momentarily remembering the good times he had with Tsurugi, right before he reminds himself of the bad ones and why he hates his old partner, causing him to do this.