[ Steve stormed off. If she'd wanted to still be friends, this was something that their friendship might not be able to handle. She still hoped that it would, but somehow feeling that way made her feel even guiltier. Her throat tightened as she watched Steve storm off, but when Battler spoke, Yuri shook her head. ]

He may have wanted to hit you, but.. I don't think you're the one he's mad at. I told him the same thing that I told you a few hundred times.

[ It was okay to say it to Battler. Battler had been lucky that her words had been lies. Anyone else... they were nothing but careful slices into their backs while they weren't looking. ]