Kai noticed something was off. Rei was different in a way that Kai couldn't pinpoint. Although the neko-jin was normally more subdued than the others, he seemed stifled. If he had wanted to assert himself into daily conversation, he simply couldn't. It was a matter of what he couldn't and couldn't do, not whether or not he had the will. Kai noticed it most when the Bladebreakers were training for the next world championship, when everyone gave it their all and he was half-hearted. Rei was distracted. And at first, Kai supposed it had to do with problems at home, because for some reason all of Rei's problems came from Mariah or Lee, but he showed no hint of such a thing.

It had to come from something else.

The only reason Kai wanted to address it was because Rei's well-being compromised the whole team. Still, knowing it had to be more personal, he didn't want to bring it up just right in front of everybody. So he would wait.

Wait.

Monday.

Tuesday.

Wednesday.

It was Thursday, and Rei was still in a funk.

Friday.

Saturday.

After Saturday was Sunday. That was the Sabbath day, so Kai had to rest.

But Monday came again, and it was too long.

"Rei." Kai had cornered him in an alley, because they had gone grocery shopping together and they were finally alone. "Tell me."

"What?" Rei quietly asked. It was a case in point—the real Rei would have been more defensive.

"You know what I'm talking about," Kai murmured, his eyes dark and slanted and straight at Rei.

But Rei couldn't tell, because his eyes were diverted. Kai stepped closer and grabbed his chin, making the neko-jin look at him. Rei winced, and upon seeing his pain Kai impulsively let go.

"…W-why," Rei whispered.

"Because you're jeopardizing the whole team, Rei."

"The tournament isn't for a while, Kai," Rei chuckled. "Besides, I don't know what you're talking about. You're being really intense, and more so than usual. Anyways, we have to go quick, because I need to be somewhere."

Kai cocked an eyebrow, and then dismissed him. If Rei wasn't going to talk now, then there was no pressing him. Rei was a stubborn neko-jin.

"Okay."

Rei nodded. "Okay, then." With a deep breath, he resumed their journey to Tyson's dojo, Kai following closely behind him.

When they got there, they hastily distributed the groceries to their respective pantries. Tyson and Max ogled the goods without actually helping, irritating Kai beyond the previous point. Could they not tell what was wrong with Rei! Kai had a hunch that Tyson noticed, because even though he was a dolt, he still had intuition for this sort of stuff.

"Alright, I'll be back in a little bit," Rei said as he put away the last can of soup.

"Where are you going?" Tyson asked. He exchanged a brief look with Kai, and that confirmed it for the Russian. Tyson noticed, too.

"Just out for a bit, I need to take a walk," Rei said with a shrug of his shoulders. He walked out of the dojo before anyone could question him further.

"What's his deal?" Tyson muttered.

"Something's up, alright," Kai agreed. "I'm gonna go follow him."

"Me too," Tyson said.

"No," Kai said. "I have to go alone."

"Why?"

"Because," Kai said elusively. "Because."

"Ohh," Tyson and Max said simultaneously, because they understood.

Kai flipped his scarf over his shoulder and shot the boys a glare. "Be back soon," he said, and he ran.

I'm coming, Rei, he thought. Just hold tight.

Author's Note: omg what is going to happen

sit tight you'll see!