"I can't let others get hurt because I'm not strong enough," I say quietly. It was bad enough with Date-san and Gotou-san.But at least I knew they'd chosen their path, not been assigned to it by how they'd been created. I can let others fight, I know sometimes there are too many enemies.

But I... don't cope well with others fighting *my* fight. Taking risks that should be mine alone.

Getting hurt for me.

"I was so proud of you," I tell him, smiling though it hurts to think of it. "Furious at you, grateful for you, and so proud of you."