Is he really saying that? It feels like a rejection but those words lead her somewhere else. Assuming might hurt but it can't hurt anymore than the rest of this does, right?

Kido swallows and glances down, unable to look at him. Just say it. Just suggest it. Nothing can hurt more. He'll have to answer if she does.

(She's scared. She can't breathe.)

"Do-" She can barely hear herself and tries to speak louder, so that he can't pretend he doesn't hear her. "...Do you... ah, that is... what about 'love'?"