Fugo finally raised his head and looked at the older boy. Tears welled in his eyes despite his efforts to remain strong. He bit his lip to choke back a sob. It hurt to see him again. He felt responsible for Narancia's death. If only he'd gone along or if only Narancia had stayed behind...The former, they'd both be dead. The latter, maybe they'd both be alive.

Silence. Nothing but silence for a long while. He tried desperately to compose himself before he spoke.

"Hit me if you want," he said finally, "I deserve it."