[That makes sense, when she says it like that. And that's another difference. Cairo could see through Riley no matter what. She has someone who can tell when something's wrong, regardless of the situation. Giorno's never had that. It's such a strange thing to think about. The closest would be Mista, but he can lie to Mista. It's not even very hard. He just doesn't like to.]

. . . Maybe. It's hard to know with something like that. And you like to — hm. [The ghost of a smile. He bumps her shoulder.] Control optics, just like I do. Maybe it would have been worse to have her figure it out just by looking at you. I'm starting to think that the only way to control things in such a situation is by being forthcoming and honest.

[Which, yuck. He wrinkles his nose.]

Although she obviously didn't figure out you've got a big crush on her, so she can't be completely all-knowing.