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[ With great care, she wraps her arm around the other girl and holds her close. Resting her head against Sachiko's, rubbing her back gently.

These are her most precious people.

No matter what, she knows she has to protect them. She means every single word she says - no matter what, so long as it's in her power, they will return home. And Sachiko will not cry like this again... at once she feels angry at Hoshiko, but...

But the manic energy she'd latched onto this with wasn't like her. It wasn't her usual exuberance or desire for friendship, it was something else entirely... something hopeful, almost. Painfully hopeful. Her anger evaporates almost as quickly as it comes, leaving only confusion and determination in it's place.

If Hoshiko believes so strongly in whatever Nyoi-cho holds then... then she'll see this through to the end. ]

It's going to be okay.

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[She tries to swallow the burning lump in her throat and at last makes a tentative attempt at speech.]

Yeah. You're right. I-- [She lets out a sound, half laugh and half shuddering sob.] I'm being silly, aren't I? Just listen to me. It's like I don't believe in you, and that's not true.

[After all, Hitomi is so strong. It's something that Sachiko had admired about her, that even with everything that was going on, Hitomi still had time to look out for and care for others. She'd said it herself, after all: she'd been worried, too.

But here she is, comforting Sachiko and telling her that everything is going to be okay.]

Sorry. ["For talking like I don't believe in you," the statement implies.] I'm sorry.

[But left unsaid were other reasons, other apologies entirely. Sachiko wished she could be strong like Hitomi. She wished that it weren't always Hitomi looking out for her, or that she weren't a burden.

She'll work harder. Sometime in the future, she thinks, when this is all behind them and everyone's gotten home safely... When Hitomi needs her... When that time comes, she'll be the one to support her.]

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Sachi...

[ Hitomi shakes her head. She pats her back, still gentle, still mindful of the incredible strength lurking beneath her fingertips. Sachiko seems so powerful even when she doesn't realize it. Even vulnerable like this, she's still trying to respect other people's feelings. ]

Being worried doesn't mean you don't believe in someone. What we do is still risky, even if we're skilled... but you should have more faith in yourself. Don't be afraid to be assertive and state how you feel.

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[A shaky smile makes its way onto Sachiko's face. Why did it seem as if Hitomi always knew exactly what to say to make her feel better? She was always so encouraging, so warm.]

...I'm really glad I met you, Hitomi.

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[ She smiles a little, her face heating up again. ]

... I feel the same. Every single day, I wake up happy... because I know we're friends.