“i take that as a no, then?” maria watched the korean freeze in place upon hearing the question, as if haunted by such a suggestion. certainly, this was a matter too personal, and she fully understood that. still, this did not stop her from offering her kindest smile to the other- sympathy prominent on maria’s features. she knew what it was like, to have such conflicting relations with a nation one has grown so close to--

                           ( --- a relationship with memories both fond and painful. she remembers it all too well. )

                           -- but this was jin’s brother. she had wanted to ask what had been in that letter, but soon opted to not give in to her tendency to be so intrusive. “whatever was in there, please know that i’ll always be here to talk.” her mouth kept running, not fully comprehending how jin must have been uncomfortable with tenderness. “matalik na kaibigan, paunmanhin mo ako,” maria had always spoken in tagalog when she truly means what she says, “i may have come too forward with you. though, i ask you to let me be of some comfort?”