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Because I knew I could trust you, Naruhodo says. It slides right off his tongue, as easy as anything. Proof in and of itself.
Asogi’s reply sticks to his tongue, though. Telling. Being able to remain faithful to what you chose to believe in, no matter what… Well, that’s not something that anyone can do. It takes a special kind of person.
Because Asogi can play at trusting Naruhodo, and he does. After all, Naruhodo is good. It spills off him in waves. No, he would never raise a hand against another person. That’s easy enough to believe in.
When it matters, though? When it comes to that bubbling thing threatens to burst from him, or the bitter in the folds of his chest? Naruhodo is good. Doesn’t need to know. Shouldn’t ever know. Can’t ever know.
Still: I knew I could trust you. So it slides right off his tongue, as easy as anything: come to England with me, and it’s a little betrayal. Of himself or Naruhodo, though—who knows?