Zack is so afraid, in those first silent moments after he finishes talking, that even this won't be enough to break through the wall Micchi has built around himself. But then Micchi lifts his hand to reach over and lay it on top of Zack's, and there's a soft warmth where their skin is touching. Zack isn't alone either.

Zack raises one thumb to brush it lightly against Micchi's hand, to return the gesture as best he can right now. "I know you must be so scared right now," he says. "About what's gonna happen the next time you see your brother. And I sure can't make any promises about how it'll turn out, but... I want to go with you. I'll give you guys privacy if you'd rather talk without me there, but I want to go to the hospital with you, so whatever happens, you'll know you're still not alone. Will you let me do that for you, Micchi?"