Kairi’s eyes had shut by the time Axel’s hand moved to press against her head, and she slowly turned until her cheek was also pressed against the table as so she could face him. Opening her eyes soon after, she wasn’t surprised to see Axel’s face so close to her ow. Frowning at his comments, she opened her mouth to speak, but shut it soon after when he continued talking. “Well … yes, but …”

But what? She really had nothing to say. “I would, but …”

Closing her eyes, Kairi let out yet another sigh, her hands resting against her lap as she tried to think of the words to say. “I know what you’re saying … but I just still feel so terrible about it. I wanted to become stronger to help my friends, not … not hurt them instead.” A frown crossed her lips at this point, her hand grasping at her pants. “I’ve already hurt one of the people I never wanted to hurt – ever. If I were to hurt you next I don’t think I would ever be able to forgive myself. Or … or Naminé. I would feel so terrible.” Well, she already felt terrible. Adding more hurt would only make her crumble.

“But …” she started, opening her eyes to look at Axel once again, a small smile replacing the frown, “I … I understand what you’re saying. Thank you, Axel.” A laugh, and she closed her eyes again, her smile remaining. “It’s funny. Every time something bad happens, you’re always the one to make me feel better. It must be such a chore for you.” A slight laugh, and Kairi opened her eyes once more to look at her friend. “Thank you.”