Page 260 of Mercy Written in Blood

Haruki disliked the resemblance because it existed.

"You know nothing about me," he said.

"I know you grew up among people who taught children that gratitude was obedience."

Haruki's body went cold. Ken stood. The movement was immediate. Renji turned towards Haruki. Sota did not move.

"What did you say?" Haruki asked. His voice no longer sounded like his own.

Sota looked at him with an expression Haruki could not read.

"I said institutions often rename obedience."

"No."

Haruki leaned forward.

"You said I grew up among them."

Sota's gaze held his. A pause. Too long to be accidental. Then the warmth returned. Not enough to erase what had passed.

"I know the broad shape of your history," he said.

"How?"

"Records."

"What records?"

"The Ishida Family has enemies."

"That is not an answer."

"No."

Haruki's pulse had accelerated. Images came without invitation. White walls. Metal-framed beds. Shoes aligned beneath them. Adults who called silence good behaviour. A hand at the back of his neck guiding him forwards. A boy's voice in the dark saying they would leave one day.

The memory vanished before Haruki could catch the face attached to it. He hated Sota for causing it. Hated himself more for allowing the reaction to show.

Renji's hand touched his wrist beneath the table. Two fingers against his pulse. The same way he had touched Haruki in the emergency department. Haruki did not look at him. The contact steadied something.

Sota noticed. His expression softened. Not because of the romance. Because of the effect.

"You have done your research," Haruki said.

"Yes."

"Do not mistake knowledge for understanding."

"I do not."

"Then do not mention my childhood again."

Sota inclined his head.

"All right."

No challenge. No apology. Haruki could not decide which would have angered him more.