"You would have never considered me your friend... But I want you to take them. It would be a shame if they were lost in the flames..."
Chase fell silent. He was gathering his strength for what he was about to do.
Gou was looking down at him. He was equally silent. Did he not understand? Perhaps this was the case. It was unlikely Gou was familiar with all of his internal components. Even if he were, he had more important things to be focusing on. Chase did as well.
Yet even after Chase had gathered the strength he needed, he held his ground for a short moment longer. A foolish action. A risk, unnecessarily taken.
Just a moment more.
That was all it was.
Just a moment more.
They were both silent during this moment. It was not a long time. They did not have any time to spare in this situation.
It was enough for him to at least collect his thoughts.
Had he expected more? Was there something he was waiting for?
No. Nothing.
What more was there he could want? What else was there to expect?
There was no reason to think anything would fill that void.
Gou's opinion of him had always been clear.
That was correct. Chase had had no expectations. He had merely spoken honestly.
The empty silence... continued to hang over them.
Banno would not grant them any more of a reprieve than this.
He could wait no longer.
Chase shoved Gou out of the way. No hesitation. No second thoughts. He was prepared.
For Kiriko. For Shinnosuke.
And for Gou as well.
He ran.
And then he was no more.