[itsuki smiles at that, not because he thinks the sentiment is funny or silly, but because thinking about a life without buzen... it's strange, amusing in how impossible it seems.]

...It's true that it's not what I expected. But it still would have been dangerous -- having to obey whatever country owns me. Or maybe I would have refused, and lived my life while on the run.

I would have been alone either way.

[falling in love in either of those situations? he would never have had the courage to. he doesn't think anyone else would have fallen in love with him either,]

...But you've never made me feel alone. So I'd rather face danger and have this life with you than any other.