Why is cherry willing to say johnny acted in self defense

Cherry is willing to say that Johnny acted in self defense as she is a good  person but also she thinks she is partly at fault and feels guilty about it.

Explanation:

"The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton is about a boy named Ponyboy and his brothers who comes in conflict with their rival gang, The Socs. And one of Ponyboy's brother harasses Cherry.

Yet, Cherry is willing to say that Johnny acted in self defense as she is a good  person but also she thinks she is partly at fault and feels guilty about it.

Indeed, Cherry seemed to have built up a relationship which isn't romantic but a mutual understanding and respect towards each other. And she decided to help the Greasers as she is partly tired of the conflict between both the gangs.

not sure but i think it’s the snug nest