Maria's Soliloquy

"Do you actually… want me to come with you…?"

Maria's words hit me like a sledgehammer. Well, I had expected something similar, but why was she asking such a direct question?

Her personality probably made it difficult to be more roundabout with her words.

And so, she waited for my answer with a calm look.

'Whether she comes or not probably depends on my response.'

"Why are you asking? It's not like anything will change depending on my answer." I spoke, coyly avoiding any direct response to her question.

Even if I didn't want her to go with us, Serah's words were absolute.

"If it would inconvenience you, or the mission, in any way, then… I'll make a petition to drop out. So, please, be honest with me…"

Once again, her earnestness caused my heart to squeeze.

"… Am I bothering you?"

The fact that she unflinchingly stared at me with her eyes was something that unnerved me a little.

'This girl… doesn't she get embarrassed or flustered?!'