Part Seven:

"Ren," Tokiya tightened his grip on his classmate, "You're burning up!"

"Let go," Ren struggled weakly against his grasp. "I need to..."

"Rest," Tokiya finished for him firmly. "I'll bring you back to your room."

But Ren only renewed his struggles. "Don't want to... go back..."

Tokiya was aware of the strained relationship between Ren and Masato.

"Fine," he acquiesced. "My room."

Ren paused to look at him. His eyes, glazed with fever, and Tokiya was troubled that they weren't focusing properly.

"How about Ikki?" Ren whispered.

Tokiya hoisted Ren more securely against himself. Closer to Ren, Tokiya could feel the feverish heat more keenly.

"Ikki's not in tonight," Tokiya told him, staggering slightly under Ren's almost dead weight as he made his way back to his room. "He went back to his orphanage home and won't be back until tomorrow. Come on."

Realizing that Ren had gone still and silent beside him, Tokiya walked faster.

- To be Continued -