[ The question was almost rhetorical. Despite his little scare (he's never feared the dark, not before...), Kaito's attention is almost entirely on the blonde. As she diverts her gaze, his own just settles deeper. It's his curse to read the emotions of everything around him. It's his gift to focus that curse on a singular aura and take in every facet of its emotions.

So when she speaks, he closes his eyes and shakes his head. ]

You have no plans of simply departing to hand over the lantern. Even if you did, I'd be coming with you.

I'm not letting you out of my sight until we're either back in town or at your Shroud. In your current state, you worry me too much.

The adrenaline is dying down.

That means all those intrusive emotions are going to flood back in. Your Shadow's probably bitching up a storm. And above all else... I know I wouldn't be satisfied with just one lantern piece. You aren't, either.

[ Golds flit open, and a gloved hand finally lifts to settle on her shoulder. Kaito will not mention the instant regret (and nausea) that comes from a stronger link to her aura. ]

Let's go back together, Hibiki.