kabane’s desire to protect akira and look after him in the most unconventional ways, coupled with his fear of going full-ghoul and his perception that akira is the weakest of their trio, haunts kabane differently than the thought of losing shiki/kon/inugami (who he also loves, albeit platonically), is because kabane is in love with akira and still learning how to express it. part of the reason why he’s fearful of akira being in danger isn’t because he doesn’t think akira will have the strength or support to fight (he has yui, shiki, his ice powers, etc), but because he’s afraid akira is going to disappear from his life without knowing how much kabane cares about him because kabane still feels guilty about when akira FIRST ran off, and fearful that the next time akira rejects him, it will be because he deserves it. unlike his relationships with the others, with akira, kabane is especially vulnerable.

does kabane realize it yet? absolutely not. it was a poignant moment when akira reminded him that himself and shiki weren’t gonna be easy meals for the ghoulside of him, because it allowed kabane a moment to reflect on how much stronger his friends have gotten. tl;dr: i think kabane’s in love with akira, doesn’t yet understand its implications, but is nonetheless dedicated to looking after him no matter how powerful akira is. and deep down, i think akira loves him just as much. :)