[ .. Minako slowly exhales as she looks at Monika like that, the moment the other leans back again. After those words, after that kiss. It's at least good to know that Monika is taking all of it well, since Minako really did get worried for a bit back there.

This isn't something she shows to most people, after all. Even her friends from back home don't get to see this often, if at all. It's something she usually locks up in the deepest corners of her heart, hoping that no one will find out about it - but if she's promising to be open with Monika, then that promise means to share all of this as well.

And it's been reassuring so far, but..

Well. Minako knows it's not the only thing to address here about last night. ]

You shouldn't worry either though. [ She says, softly. ] You can say anything to me. You don't have to feel like you have to hold some stuff back.. You can scold me if you want to, you know?

[ Surely Monika would have reasons to do as much at times. ]

I'm not going to leave you just because of one thing you tell me. [ Sorry to exchange the levity for this seriousness again, Monika.

But at least it's sappy seriousness, since she means every word she says here. ]

I would never.