[Even if they curl into each other, even if they manage to hold one another with a gentle firmness that speaks volumes above any words they could exchange, Komaeda hates that Nanami is so upset. He hates her sadness, and her guilt. He hates that her breaths hitch with the same cadence as a sob, even if she can't spare tears. He hates that he couldn't stop her pain, as if it were his responsibility, simply for the fact that he cares so deeply for her.

It takes concerted effort not to fall into those feelings, now, as he tries to simply be there for her as she is for him. She speaks so soft and sweet, despite the despair he can feel radiating through him as if it were his own (it might very well be his own, he reasons, and maybe she feels it too).]

You are Hope, [he corrects her, cutting through the sentiments she tries to push solely unto him,] you're my hope, Nanami-san.

I... I love seeing you shine... When you bring a whole group together, and turn a bunch of strangers into friends... It's an amazing thing to see. And I'm positive you've done the same in Ryslig, too.

I know you don't think I'm a curse. I don't think... you're actually capable of disliking anyone with your whole heart. You're the type of person to see the good in everyone, the strength they themselves might not see.

That's your superpower, you know?

[He pauses—and though neither of them have the corporeality that would allow him to, the sentiment of pulling her closer to him is felt all the same. As if a hug weren't enough, as if they could become one, and fully mix together so as to steal a little bit of that strength for himself.]

If I'm amazing, then it's only because I've had an amazing person to look up to first.