[it's easy enough to catch his eyes with her own, and. . . that, in conjugation with her words, does quell some of the emotional tumult Edamura feels churning in his stomach. Yingying has been through so much, and yet. . . she still emerged from the ashes a kind, strong person]

[it's impossible not to admire her for that]

. . . I guess I can't argue with that. No one can.

[giving her hand another squeeze]

But I don't think you're supposed to be the one comforting me, here.

[AND YET. . .!]