Then, his father exhaled, rolling his shoulders. Smiling, like nothing was wrong. Like nothing ever was. "You look different."
Hikari smirked, resting his chin against his knuckles. "Good different or bad different?"
His father studied him with the same soft eyes, the kind that never hardened—not even in a place like this. "Just different."
Hikari let the words settle. Let his gaze flicker, just once, to the scar.
Then he tilted his head. "You too."
His father chuckled. "Yeah, well. You know how it is."
Hikari didn't respond. They both knew how it was.
His father shifted in his seat, hands resting lightly on the table, fingers curling and uncurling like he wasn't sure what to do with them. It was the same every time. Like he wanted to reach across the glass. Like he kept forgetting he couldn't.
Hikari leaned back, stretching his legs out even more. "So," he said, voice light, easy. "How's life?"
"Oh, you know. Food's great, company's even better."
"Yeah? They treating you like a king in here?"
His father chuckled again, the sound thin but real. "Something like that."
A beat of silence. Uncomfortable and heavy.
Then his father exhaled, voice softer. "You're still making these, huh?"
Hikari tilted his head. "You say that like I wouldn't."
"I don't expect you to." His father rubbed his thumb over his knuckles. "Not after everything."
"Doesn't matter."
His father gave him a long, quiet look. Hikari held it.
Then his father smiled again, shaking his head.
"What, you want me to stop coming?"
"Not a chance."
"Then stop talking like I will."
His father sighed, shoulders easing a little. The tension in the room didn't disappear, but it softened. Then he asked, careful but quiet, "How's your mother?"
The moment the words left his mouth, the weight slammed back down.
Hikari's fingers gripped the armrest. The smirk didn't drop, but something in his eyes turned sharp.
"She's great." His voice was easy, too easy. "Living it up. Big house, big garden, big bank account. Dream life, right?"
His father didn't take the bait. He just nodded, slow. "And you?"
Hikari scoffed, no longer meeting eye contact. "Oh, you know. Living in paradise."
His father studied him. Hikari didn't like that look. He always felt like his dad could see right through his facade.
"You can tell me the truth,"
"Right. Because honesty's worked out so well for us before."
His father's smile faded, just a little.
Hikari leaned back, looking away. "It's fine."
His father didn't push. He never did.
"Guess that's the best I'm getting."
"Smart man."
His father's fingers hovered near his teeth, lightly grazing the edge of a nail. "Hey," he said, casual but careful. "You still keeping up with the news?"
Hikari blinked. "The news?"
His father nodded. "The Eclipse. They're pulling names now, aren't they?"
Hikari's stomach twisted. He knew what his dad was really asking.
"…Yeah,"
"Figures."
"Why would you ask that? It's not like you're gonna do it, though." It wasn't a question.
His father hesitated.
Hikari sat up straighter. "Right?"
His father smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "If there's a way out, wouldn't you want me to take it?"
Hikari's chest tightened.
"But you're not even kynenn."
"I know."
Hikari stared at him, searching his face, looking for the part where he said it was a joke. That he wasn't actually going.
It never came.
His throat felt thick. "Then… then why would you—"
"It's the only chance they're giving me, kid." His father's voice was gentle. Too gentle. "You get that, don't you? It's not like i have much of a choice."
"That's stupid."
"Maybe."
"No, it is. It's—it's not fair. You shouldn't have to—"
"I know," his father said again. He pulled his hand away from his face, slow—like it took effort not to bite.
"YOU WOULDN'T EVEN BE HERE IF—"
Hikari's breath hitched. His pulse slammed in his ears.
The words almost came out.
If she didn't blame you. If she didn't make me go along with it. If I didn't—
His jaw locked. He couldn't say it. He almost had.
Too late.
People were looking now.
Guards. Other visitors. A couple prisoners near the back.
Hikari's face felt hot. He sucked in a breath, swallowing down everything pressing against his ribs.
His father leaned forward, voice steady. "Listen to me, okay?"
Hikari didn't answer, but his father continued anyway.
"I need you to be strong."
Hikari scowled. "I am strong."
His father smiled, warm and patient. "I know. But I mean here." He tapped his temple. "Not just here." He tapped his chest.
Hikari crossed his arms, looking away.
His father sighed, rubbing his knuckles absently. The guard was watching now, standing a little closer. Almost time.
"I'll be okay, kiddo," his father said.
Hikari squeezed his arms tighter. "Promise?"
His father's smile was small. "I'll try my best."
That wasn't a yes.
And they both knew it.