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The first time the jinko hugs him, Akutagawa is too shocked to push him away. The jinko's body heaves with heavy shocks, fingers twisting into Akutagawa's coat, sobs hidden into the crook of his neck.
This sort of behavior is unusual for the jinko, and under normal circumstances, Akutagawa would shove him off. But for some reason, Akutagawa is unable to this time.
Maybe it's because of the circumstances. Akutagawa had died after all. And yet, for some inexplicable reason, he's alive once more. Akutagawa doesn’t understand the how and the why, but he does understand that it must've shaken the jinko to the core. So for once, he lets him be.
Akutagawa doesn't know how to comfort people. It's not in his nature. But he tries. He makes sure to reciprocate and squeeze him tight, even if it's a little awkward, and holds him until his soft cries come to an end.
When the jinko mumbles an apology after, he doesn’t reply.
The days that follow are strange. Akutagawa cant get his mind off of the hug, and he can't help but crave the jinko's touch. It doesn’t help that the jinko's been more affectionate with him. A small tap on his shoulder, a caress of his hand. It's almost like he's doting on him.
Akutagawa is not a fan of physical affection. He's repulsed by it. Whenever someone comes in contact with him it causes him great discomfort, so he fails to understand where the need for the jinko's attention comes from. Still, every instance leaves him reeling for more.
Another opportunity presents itself when the two of them finish a mission. They limp to Atsushi's apartment because it's closest and make sure to treat each other's injuries.
Normally Akutagawa would leave as soon as possible, but this time he's exhausted. He feels like he's about to pass out. The jinko notices yet doesn't say a word, but he does pull Akutagawa into his lap. He cradles Akutagawa's head, brushing his fingers through his hair.
He feels safe in the jinko's arms, a feeling he hasn’t felt in a very long time. And that's when it finally clicks. Why he's been feeling so jittery lately, why he can't seem to get the jinko off his mind, why he longs for his warmth.
"Jinko, I–" Akutagawa starts, but he's unable to find the words needed to express his feelings. Instead the jinko hums, and when a few more moments of silence pass he reaches out and squeezes Akutagawa's hand.
Giving up entirely, Akutagawa melts further into the jinko's embrace. He knows he'll still be there tomorrow, so he allows himself to give in to exhaustion and hopes he'll be able to find the words he needs.