"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?!'
