[He meets her eyes when she pulls back that little bit, and... whatever he sees in her expression, whatever it is he hears in her voice... he can't help but smile a little, resigned and grateful all at once.]

... Yeah. I thought you'd say something like that.

[He's not about to take any of Ritsuka's choices away from her, though--so ultimately, what can he do but believe in her and her ability to handle those things? Besides, that's what life is all about--living as best they can in the moment, regardless of what the future might bring.]

In that case... okay. I'll believe in you. And... I'm looking forward to making the most of the time we have together too.

[... a beat. They're...very close together like this and Ritsuka's smile is so, so bright, and Minato becomes, suddenly, very aware that if he were to just dip his head a little bit more, then...]

Not to interrupt our conversation, but, um... Can I... kiss you?