[ It's evident immediately that Maruki's words touched on something deeper than intended – as is so often the way of things. As soon as those choked off words struggle on their way out of Dolph's mouth, Maruki lets go of his hand.

It's only so he can make his way around the kotatsu to sit next to Dolph instead, an arm circling tight over his shoulders at once. There's no way he could hear his friend like that and not want to hold him. ]

You have, though.

[ His voice is low, meant only for Dolph, not anyone else who might be hanging around the machiya. ]

I can clearly see that you have. What does it mean to you, though? Saving someone. What does it look like for you?