Sayo has to wonder how she gets into these life-or-death situations.
Okay, she knows how and why but admitting it makes her feel seriously uncomfortable.
You chose this.
And she's always going to, she knows. The fight is hers to be in. Though having someone next to her that's human is very new. At least being able to stay beside them is new.
Her memories of Mirei are so fuzzed and weary these days. She wonders if she'll have them for much longer. Will she need to? Will Taiga stick around once she forgets entirely? Or will he finally move on? She wants him to. She really does. She needs it. But does moving on mean leaving?
"Sayo?"
She turns her head from her thoughts to see Koh, having finally fixed his shoes and finished shopping. "You okay?"
She swallows her discomfort and smiles. "Just have to fight my father. No worries."
He frowns. "Your mom doesn't want you to kill him."
"No, she wants to do it herself," she recites without thinking.
Koh reaches out and Sayo, for an instant, thinks he's going to try and kiss her again. He hugs her instead and doesn't speak. Then he lets go, red-faced and looking away.
"Sorry, I just..."
Just what?
It bothers her that she doesn't know. It bothers her that she likes the hug and yet has no idea what the hug was for.
So she swallows and manages a mute nod. There is no time to think about this. They have to go. To meet her father. To heal her mother. To feel good about themselves.
All selfish reasons to avoid communicating.
So, they step towards Center Bridge together. It's the only way to go.