“You’re uncharacteristically silent.” Hanbee knows Suzuya is here, in the hospital chair besides him. But all he sees is darkness.
“Sorry,” Suzuya says quickly.
“What are you sorry for?” Hanbee laughs.
Suzuya laughs too, nervously.
“You feel responsible, don’t you?” Hanbee squints at Suzuya, as if that will help his vision. It’s a habit he can afford to lose now. “You feel like you ought to have protected me.”
“I should have – sacrificed like Mr. Shinohara!” Suzuya balls his hands into fists.
“No!” Hanbee cries. “No, please. Suzuya, I want you alive and responsive. Suzuya…the truth is, in that fight, I sacrificed myself. For you.”
“What?” Suzuya whispers.
“I was … ready to die, if it meant your victory.” Hanbee swallows. “I’m glad I’m alive, you know, but I don’t regret it.”
“Hanbee!” Suzuya tackles him in a hug. “Why? Why? You’re special yourself, you know.”
“You’re special, too. To everyone, and especially to me.” Hanbee reaches to pat Suzuya’s head, but he misses and nearly pokes out his leader’s eye.
Suzuya giggles and guides his friend’s large hands to his hair.
Mercy and Magic 