That still didn't really explain anything? Sure, they got along well these days--because they were friends? And being considerate was just common sense, right? It wasn't like she went around giving Shinji lots of unnecessary hugs--certainly no more than with anyone else. Where could this idea be coming from, if not a projection of Kaito's own feelings for Shinji?

"I kinda... don't know what comfort zone you're talking about. Or what coaxing." Is he that subtle? Does Shinji himself know he's apparently doing these things?