[ The affection that Balthus carries in his voice as he talks about Hilda doesn't escape Ori's detection, and she finds herself very much endeared to the gigantic man in front of her. ]

I know how you feel. Just because you can and have dealt with things alone doesn't mean that you have to keep being alone, right...?

[ She's learning as much with each day that passes here, herself, with the support of her partners as well as friends like Hilda. There's no hiding her smile when Balthus mentions their friendship having helped the other young woman— because Ori could easily argue that Hilda's the one that helped her more. ]

I can only hope that I've helped her as much as she's helped me. But— now, you and I can be friends, too! And...

[ At his question, she hums thoughtfully. ]

Not exactly, but I can't help but feel that you two must mean a lot to each other. I mean, you grew up together.

[ Plus, if he wasn't important to Hilda, then she wouldn't have been so worried about the weirdness between the both of them. Right? ]