[Komaeda is silent for a long moment; somehow every word he might say flees straight out of his grasp all at once. Does Hinata realize what he just said? It's... does it really matter to Hinata that much that he's with him? His chest feels warm, hot really, and it aches all at once.

And he wants to say he'll always be with him, and oh more than ever before he wants to always be with him. He's never wanted to live more than he does just now -- and the thoughts he tries not to think about he has to forcibly push back as he tightens his arms around him and nods.] I'm here, Hajime. And I'll always stay by your side. We'll both be all right, like that.

[A pause though and he smiles at what Hinata says less.] You have. You're very different, but it's not a bad thing. You're still Hajime, but you've been through a lot... and you've made it through. I'm really proud of you, you know.