...

( it's for a moment, he thinks. that he feels npc-kun's fingers curl, and the gesture is... easily read, they're new to hope, they want to meet it, obtain it, to be free, and who knows hope better than komaeda who has wrapped their whole life around the idea of it — his dedication, time, and love. )

Don't worry, I love hope, I'd do anything for it... to see how much it'll shine from you, I'll help you as much as I can.

( he's saying that on his own, because it'd be unfair, even if npc-kun has made up their mind that this is a solo endeavor, komaeda still has taken part in nurturing the hope for his peers. the one's who were afraid of moving forward despite having the means to. )

It's funny that you say... you don't know where to begin when it's already started. ( he indicates by squeezing the hand with the tally, ) Instead, you have to continue, ah... I want to give you something, but it's such a shame I don't have one on hand to offer.

( he's a little disappointed by that, but he'll figure something out. )