As Edgeworth spoke, Phoenix simply watched, making a concerted effort to ignore his own unsettling stomach and the way his heart beat intently against his chest. The things he heard, the words Edgeworth was saying... Although it was encouraging to know where he stood, Phoenix realized these words would have otherwise gone unspoken between them and the fact that he was now wise to these private sentiments made him feel voyeuristic. Ashamed, he lowered his gaze. "You won't…” he said. “I promise. I-"

"How is everything?"

With a jump, Phoenix’s head immediately snapped up to find their waiter standing next to him. Kim, of course, remained politely silent, though a slight quirk of his brow gave away his curiosity, and Phoenix quickly cleared his throat, not deigning to look at Edgeworth.

"Oh. We're, um..." An attempt was made to dismiss the concern with an offhand smile, but Phoenix had a feeling he was failing miserably and finally sighed. "I think we need the check."

Kim nodded. "Of course. Would you like some boxes for your food?"

"Uh, sure. No," he corrected, and Kim's brow raised just a bit higher. Phoenix cringed. "I mean... The check is fine."

"...Of course." Nodding once more, the waiter hesitated for a split second before making his departure, disappearing somewhere in the back of the restaurant.

With another sigh, Phoenix watched him leave before turning his attention back to the table, though he found himself unable to look at Edgeworth.