[The question caught Masato by surprise, and he looked up, letting his arms fall to his sides. Why... What an odd question indeed, and more complicated than Masato had hoped for. He paused before answering.]

...A lot of reasons. First, the others want to travel together. All of us, including you and including me. I told Shinomiya I wouldn't mind staying behind if they managed to convince you to join, in case you'd--in case we got on each other's nerves again, but... that wouldn't help any of us. And second...

[There was another pause on this, but then Masato just sighed, shaking his head.]

It doesn't matter. The first is most important. They're concerned about you, you know.