[Ah... yep, this is a hug. She's hugging him. A hug definitely is happening. His eyes are wide open, board stiff and unwieldy in her arms, like a cat caught. Touch remains foreign, the gentle pressure of another person almost painful. But he understands in his head and heart she needs this, so he frees up a hand to rub her upper back in a soothing, circular motion]

I won't lie to you, Mafuyu... These experiences don't make anyone stronger. They weaken us. Bit by bit, they sap our strength even in the most quiet of moments... But they do make us more conscientious.

I promise I won't put myself in that situation again if I can help it.