[ The air itself slowly grows warmer as they walk, balmy and humid yet not oppressively so, like a good memory of a day somewhere tropical that might at the time have been too hot but seems more palatable in retrospect. ]

[ It's a little bittersweet, that tiny smile that appears on her lips and then slips away again, silent appreciation of Naoto's honesty. ] I'm not sure whether or not to say that's a good thing, but... I'm glad that it helps. It's the same for me.

[ But speaking of strange things has her reminded of her own strangeness, and after a moment her eyes lower. Finally the sand seems to catch her attention and she starts, looking right back up again and around sharply. There's only one light pole left that isn't a tree by now, and from where the sand meets the white of the buildings, new color has begun to creep up the walls. It's a mix of different warm hues and materials that feel just a bit too specific to suggest they came out of nowhere. The blonde breathes a quiet, 'oh,' and the recognition on her face is plain to see. ]

It's-- but--.... [ Her voice falls until it's nearly a mutter, her steps slowed. ] Why is it there...?