ごめん

prologue.

". . . Ah. . . I'm sorry, Boss. . . But I can't let you leave. Not like this. Not with all these injuries, I can't let you hurt yourself again, I w-"

"I'm fine. I have to go on this mission. I'll be fine, Shō."

"I-"

"Let him come. . ."

". . . Alright, but-"

A large man with black mascara-like streaks under his eyes enters.

"C'mon guys, what's the hold up?"

"The kid's fussing about Boss' health again. . ."

"Geez. . . I mean, they are the health expert here, you should pr-"

"Don't tell me what I should and shouldn't do. I'm the Boss here."

"S-sorry Boss, I-"

"Shut up."

"Mm. . ."

". . . I'm sorry. . ."

". . . Whatever. Let's go."

The man with the hood leans over and whispers in Shō's ear.

"Hey, kid- I know you're trying your best. And I know he does too, and we appreciate that, even if the Boss is a bit. . . Cold. . . Just- don't let it get to you, okay? He doesn't mean to hurt you."

"Are you done chatting yet? We don't have infinite time."

"Sorry Boss, coming-"

". . . Mm. I'm coming too."

"What-? Hell no."

"I can help! I-I-I-"

"NO."

"I know I'm usually pretty useless but I-"

"Kid-"

"I promise I won't get in the way! I just- I-I don't want you to get hurt again, I-"

"KID-"

"Please!"

"FINE! But don't come crying to me when you get yourself killed out there!"

"Boss, I don't think-"

"Didn't I tell you to shut the hell up?"

"I-"

"We're leaving."

Shō looks up at the Boss for a moment, then smiles.

". . .What."

"Nothing, just. . . Your eyes are pretty."

". . . Let's go."