Akane looked at me with a mixture of gratitude and stubborn resolve. Her voice was quiet but unyielding. "Jack… don't try to push this. I will never tell you her location until you're honest with me."
"First, tell me the truth — what is the real side effect of your ability? How much is it really costing you? I saw how you collapsed. I saw the blood. I'm not letting you sacrifice yourself again without knowing the full price."
Tachibana stepped closer, her voice a mix of frustration, worry, and reluctant softness. "Yeah… You keep saying it's nothing, but we're not blind. Your face is still pale. Your hands are cold. If helping Hitomi-neesan is going to hurt you badly… then I won't let you go either."
"I already feel guilty enough that you nearly died saving me. I don't want another sister's recovery to come at the cost of your health!"
