[Sano watches as Heisuke retreats under his blankets. And he notices exactly how Heisuke shifts to turn his back on Sano. It's not necessary; Sano already feels terrible for everything, so that added emotional distance cuts more. And he wants to reach out and tug Heisuke back toward him, to keep him close, because at least that way he'd still have his hands on the situation. As it is right now, he can see in his mind Heisuke just burrowing and rolling farther and farther away until he's gone.

But at the same time, clinging onto him against Heisuke's wishes would only cause the younger man to fight back. Because Heisuke is stubborn when he's sure of something.

But gods, Sano's hands itch to hold onto something. Or else he fears he'll just be stupid again and again and ruin another friendship. But he's got nothing right now. All he can do is tell the truth.]

That wasn't me. And before you yell at me, I know that sounds like an excuse, but it's not. Just like you couldn't hear and Shinpachi couldn't see, I didn't have my body. I was nothing but a voice and I couldn't do a damn thing about it.