BE STRONG.

"I-I'm perfectly alright!" Satoko is quick to reassure Runa that she's fine, but the way she startles so easily at Runa's question makes it seem like the truth is rather the opposite. And by the looks of how she quickly drops her arms to her sides and sighs... it seems like Satoko has realized that, too. Honestly, can't she at least do a better job at acting, at least? "I mean, I really am. I'm not upset or anything of the sort." Satoko clarifies her feelings as best she can, more honestly this time, and the smile she gives next is more of a crooked one. "I've just... been in an odd mood lately. Really, I can't figure out why myself." Though perhaps it shouldn't be such a difficult question. The events of the last month, despite ending in a triumphant victory, put Satoko and all her friend's lives in danger, and it's honestly rather scary looking back on it. Anyone would be feeling off after experiencing something like that... but Satoko doesn't see why such a thing would still be bothering her now. Didn't everything work out in the end? In some ways, she's even glad things worked out how they did. So... "I'll be joining Rika shortly, but I was just taking a moment to look over the village." And when she did, it felt like she was seeing it for the first time. It's always comforting to look out on the sight of her home from up high. "I do apologize - I didn't mean to worry you!"

"Hey..." The young brunette called softly out as she approached the small blonde's side. Upon reaching the outlook's fencing, Runa couldn't help but take in the sights as well. Such a small and quaint village laid out before the two of them. One wouldn't believe what had happened not so long ago, nor it's rather unfortunate history if they were to just simply take it at face value.

And Runa couldn't help but feel that was better in the long run.

"I think it's normal to have those kinds of feelings," Runa spoke up, blue eyes glancing down at the girl beside her. "Sometimes-- They just kinda happen. I'd be lying if I said I haven't been feeling the same lately." The girl admitted, running a hand through her hair before resting it right behind her neck.

She turns around, so now that her back was resting against the railing, her arms resting atop them. "You said you were feeling odd. Do you mind me asking odd how? Is it because of... well-- that whole thing last month?" Runa asks gently, as if not to scare Satoko away with question itself.

Even though she'd just admitted to being in an odd mood, Satoko's immediate response is to backtrack, hurriedly attempting to act like nothing's wrong again. And to be honest, while she's happy to see Runa's obvious concern for her, it makes a familiar pang of guilt pull at her heart as well.

She hates that uncomfortable feeling. She shouldn't be worrying Runa, relying on others again, just like before... she's had thoughts like that many times before, but they never fail to make her feel some level of shame. And yet... Satoko has been thinking differently as of late, too. After all, she herself had scolded Rika for hiding things from everyone else... and when Rika had finally shared everything that had been weighing her down, Satoko remembers having the distinct thought - that for Rika to do that must've taken a lot of courage.

Perhaps speaking up is it's own kind of strength. ...Or so she's been considering.

"But, while I appreciate your offer... I'm not quite sure what the problem even is." Satoko starts - hesitant, with her eyes downcast. After all, she's not so sure that her new conclusion is right, and opening up still isn't an easy ask. Is she just making excuses for herself?