THAT IS TO SAY, hello this is complicated. Because, you see, Sophie - possibly one of the most stubborn, grumpy, set in her ways person ever - had just reached the conclusion that she was in love with this man. And it hadn't even been a thing of fireworks in the distance and butterflies in her belly, no - it was when she was defending his hide to others, that the epiphany struck. Do you think that was an easy pill to swallow?

Bloody well was not, let her tell you!

And then she comes to the city, fifteen minutes after a sheepish-grinned Howl just told her they should live a happily ever after, to find that Howl doesn't remember diddly-squat about that offer/promise. Not to mention, he has no heart. Now, one might suppose that's a dealbreaker, but Sophie made the mistake of having fallen in love with him while he was still heartless, so nothing has changed. Except for the fact that she has admitted it to herself, but as far as the City environment goes, she can't very well say it, can she?

So that just leads to swallowing some words, giving him some nasty stares, and pretending that nothing has changed. She will not blush if he touches her hand casually or not. She will not swoon if he compliments her grey and frayed dress.

But. You know. It's Sophie. When she loves, she does it steadfast and stubbornly.