[ A couple more moments of silence follow that question, the expression on his face softening just a little as he mulls over how best to answer. He doesn't think there's any ulterior motive behind this young man's question, but tensions ramping up as they are it's hard to trust any stranger completely. ]

...Yes.

[ The small handful of people he cares for, that he loves (even if he would never be so forthcoming as to say it in those terms exactly). Even before Horos, he'd spent so much of his time tethered the ghosts of the people he'd once loved. It only makes sense now to continue to place his faith in those most important to him. ]

But everyone here has their own reasons for choosing sides. What's important to me won't necessarily be as compelling to you.

[ Not that he's here to lecture Hiiro or anything. ]