[She doesn't stiffen at the hand on her back; if anything, she melts a little, just a little of the tension bleeding out of her shoulders at the affectionate gesture. It's funny, isn't it? How Dazai is maybe the one adult who's never asked anything of her. Who's never asked her to solve any kind of big problem, or take on responsibilities, or save the world.]

Can I say something stupid...? [she says finally, gazing out straight ahead with a sad little quirk to her lips.] I don't really know who I am, anymore. I mean... I lost a piece of what I thought I was myself, [and her hand goes to her chest again, where Pharos -- Death -- Ryoji -- had been nestled for years,] that turned out not to be me at all. I was so focused on helping everybody else that if I'm not doing that, I...

[She kind of shrugs and gives him a tired grin over her shoulder.]

I told you it was stupid.