If it's so simple, why don't you say something? she thought. But then, that sounded like some roundabout rejection. It just eliminates 'yes' when he puts it that way. Kido shut her eyes. What the hell did he mean? Why did she have to guess?

It was the same as that night. Kido, trying to open up, tell him her honest feelings as best as she could, and Kano dodging around it, pushing away. Maybe... she made a mistake.

But no, she couldn't have. For every time he pushed her away with callous words, he also clung to her and gave her hope. Those mixed messages are the problem here. If she could just find the truth between them...

Kido tried not to let any of her fears show through. She kept her eyes on the water. What did she have to lose by just saying more?

His friendship? Would he leave her completely? No way. That sounded too ridiculous, didn't it...?

"Nothing is ever simple with you." The bitter edge couldn't be cut away completely. "It's not like I would blame you for turning me down. I never really put enough thought into you, did I? I've tried to make up for it but... if it's too little, too late..."

Even then, she would still be his 'knight'.