Senpai, please . . . don't be sorry. And don't say that.

[She's caught up a little earlier in the conversation, leaning back with a sigh—not far, not willing to pull away, but enough to see Ritsuka. At least someone. With her bangs in her eyes and her face only inches away, it's not much, but it feels important to make the effort right now. Her arms, though, stay firmly linked around Ritsuka's body.]

Don't say I shouldn't have to worry about it. Of course I worry about it . . . because I love you. I can't even imagine not worrying about you. That's not the sort of person I think I want to be. I'm worried . . . that you're the one protecting me from your emotions.