Hiromu is polite as ever, kind in that way of his. I can't help but feel guilty though, when he mentions Ryuuji and Youko-chan.

And Kuroki.

I wasn't sure I wanted any of them to know about me. I'm still not, but I can't ask him or Emeric to lie about this. I'm not even sure they would be capable of lying about this, no matter my reasons for asking them.

So I won't. But I still... "I don't know if I want them to know yet. It's all so complicated, and I'm not sure I want to... to dump this on them. Not yet anyway. Maybe if I find the right timing, or the right words, or... I don't know."

Emeric draws my full attention back to him with his small fist against my chest. Twice. He calls me a jerk again, and I suppose that's fair. I would do it all over again, of course, give up my life (such as it is now) to save theirs. To save his. But if I put myself in his place, imagine myself the one left behind, I can understand exactly how he feels.

I wrap him up tight again, possibly a little too tight, and speak softly near his ear just for him. "I'm so sorry, Aibou."