Mr. Hijikata? [She blurts out, confused, in response to that question. She looks to the man in question, eyes wide with a mild sort of panic. What is she supposed to say? What's the right answer here?

She looks to Souji again, reaching her hands up to rest them against his shoulders. Her fingers curl into his sleeves and she considers the question and how to answer. She could lie, but that would be a disservice to all of them. On the other hand, it's beyond embarrassing to have an audience to such personal feelings, especially when the object of them was right there.

But there could be no room for hesitation or uncertainty here.] I do. [She's not sure if that's the right thing to say, but it's true. She does love Hijikata, though certainly not as much as or in the same way as Souji. She carefully avoids looking at the other man, it's embarrassing enough already.] I gave myself to him because I love him and I hadn't been given a choice of God before. But now that I have the courage to make it, he's who I chose.

[A deep breath.] Mr. Souji, I don't have any intention of taking him from you, or corrupting him, or...anything you might be concerned about. I simply want to serve him well, to protect him and keep him safe. The same as you, surely. I only wish to support you in that. And to support him.