Do I cherish the memories or the person?

╳╳╳╳╳╳╳╳╳╳╳╳╳╳╳╳╳╳╳╳╳╳╳╳╳

Makoto froze,
the last note of the tune she was humming trailed away,
so did her certainty.

Surely she hadn't done this out of ill intention,
but who could say?

"Most people only come near me because they need something.
Or if they want to uncover secrets of mine to tell others. How about you?
Why'd you decide to help me when no one else would have?"

"I wanted to. As simple as that."

She immediately regained her composure
and hid her nervousness behind her smile.

"Oh."

"You sound unconvinced."

"I am. But I'm willing to take the risk in trusting you.
Don't make me regret it. "

Ryuu felt shock surge throughout him.

What was that line? Why did it seem so familiar?

It smoothly rolled off his tongue
with such confidence, it was as if he'd rehearsed it
over and over again.

Nostalgia washed over him and he felt unsettled.

He knew that he'd heard it from somewhere...no...someone
from before.

"I...of course I will.
You have my word."

"Thank you.
Now tell me where we're going."

The atmosphere had gotten too broody for Ryuu,
so he joked.