[ Just like that, the tension recedes from her touch like a powerful wave. He believes true empathy is derived from a capacity only born from lack of it, from that dark place crowded with feelings of indifference or despair--he recognizes it well in her. What it takes to feel again, not only for themselves, but for those who depend on them too.

The only secret he keeps is that he crumbled a long time ago. But he can and will go on. ]

It was an order. But he said something similar. [ Shouta reaches to take her hand from his shoulder, but it's not a gesture of disregard. Instead, he doesn't let go. ] I've spent my life trying to figure out what that meant. The justice of having somebody by your side.