[Makoto closed her eyes, a tear slipping out. She had known that she really liked Atsushi, that he made her happier than anyone else did or had since she'd come to Deerington, and even since before then. He made her feel special, seen, she felt like he really understood her, every part of her and was able to give just as much. She knew that he had the same self-doubt, but she was sure that he was a good person, someone that she could care for. And so she found herself admitting what they hadn't confessed to one another yet as her head rested against Vira-Lorr's and they shared a hug.]

I. . . I do love him. I really do, I don't want to ruin it. I don't want to hurt him, or you, or anyone. I just want to protect all of you from the awful things that keep happening.

I have to be strong enough.