"...you're probably right." Howard isn't saying anything Zouichi doesn't know already. He didn't think it would be so difficult to impose on someone he cared about... but that was just how he was. Commiserating was one thing, but troubling someone with his personal problems? Asking someone to concern themselves with something he should be able to deal with by himself? He couldn't ask Alastirra to bear that burden.

So maybe Eva was right. Maybe he just wasn't ready for a relationship yet.

Zouichi stopped the bike as they reached the Inn, dismounting smoothly. "Well, we're here. Hopefully your cat's fur is still firmly attached to her body."