[ She was afraid of being rejected, even though they've held hands before. It's a relief that Cloud doesn't push her away after what she requested.

At first, it's just a content little smile on her face. Her eyes are no longer on his anymore, but on their joined hands. In her head, she hopes her palm is smooth enough to his liking. She's content because she got what she wanted in this moment, but... if she had to recall, this wouldn't be the first time she wanted to hold his hand. ]

Thank you. I— The past weeks, I wanted to find a way to ask that of you. Or just spend time with you, really! Aha ha... [ To spend time with him and hold his hand. She wanted to go to someplace new, just sit down and talk. She couldn't find it in herself to just send him a message and ask that out of the blue! What if he didn't want to hang out with her? She didn't want to get rejected.

Today though, he found her. He took her hand without her even asking for it. Just thinking about that makes her smile widen, a genuine smile that shows how grateful she is to him, and how much she appreciates his company. When she looks at him again, sure, she's shy, but she feels more like herself like this. ]

I'm glad you found me here. I was scared I would start acting differently again, but... you make me feel at ease, Cloud.