It did make Gladio happy to hear what Madoka thought of him. But it made him unhappy to hear what she thought of herself. He was taken with an urge to reach out and hug her, but instead he reached over and gently patted her knee.

"Like I said. I'm patient." He smiled for her, a gentle smile. "But I think you're very sweet as well. Very sweet and very kind. And you've helped me just as much. So I can wait..." And one day, he didn't know when, but one day she would say his name without worrying about being polite.