Chapter Text
“Aruji, something strange happened to me on today's mission. I'm not hiding any wounds, I promise. I just thought I should ask a real human about this, if it's okay.”
“The first division has been sent to Sanjou Bridge a lot before, right? And I always seem to get injured, even when I normally wouldn't. It's that whole area. When we go there, I always get a bit distracted knowing Okita-kun is nearby. I know, I should have said so earlier, but I didn't want to get taken off the team.”
“I'm telling you now because that's how it normally goes. But I didn't get hurt this time. I turned to look into the distance, and instead of seeing the usual buildings... Kiyomitsu was there. He changed the formation today. And when I saw him there, I had this feeling... I don't know how to describe it.”
“Yeah, I'll try anyway. It was like... like I had done something wrong, somehow. By wanting to go to Okita-kun's side when he was right there.”
“Like in one of those magazines you gave to Midare? Yeah, for a while. I didn't say anything because I felt like I didn't need to. But today, I suddenly felt like I couldn't say it. Because I didn't deserve to.”
“You understand? I don't. This is the most confusing part of having a human form.”
“Yeah, I guess 'betrayal' is a good way to describe what it felt like. Like I was betraying him.”
“I see. I... don't want to keep splitting my loyalty. Let me fix it.”
“Thank you. In three days, I'll be better at being a human.”