Takashi went after Rei, listening for both her and anything else that might be skulking around. It was really irresponsible of her to be running around alone here and after making so much noise. But he couldn't exactly be mad at her. Her emotions must've been building up since Kirito and Asuna arrived. Possibly even before then. Takashi never really thought that impulsive kiss would have consequences.
He had thought that he'd never see Kirito ever again.
And now so many things he'd thought were impossible were now...possible. Takashi strained his hearing and could just make out some sniffles. Not wanting to startle her in case she had been armed, he quietly announced himself.
"Rei, it's me."
He rounded the corner and turned on his flashlight. There was Rei, sitting down in a corner, her eyes glistening with tears. Takashi's heart went out to her, but they couldn't stay here. It wasn't safe.
"Come on, let's get back to the others."
"Why? Don't you hate me?" Her voice was weak and filled with tears.
"I don't. I could never", Takashi said honestly.
Rei wiped at her eyes. "Even-even after what I said?"
Takashi looked around just to make absolutely sure they were alone before sitting down next to her, the flashlight between them so they'd see anyone or anything coming towards them.
"You're my best friend. We've known each other for a long time, nothing will ever change that."
"I'm glad", Rei said. "But that's exactly the problem. Things will never change between us."
"And you...want them to?", Takashi asked. For the first time wanting true confirmation of Rei's feelings and what she expected of him.
"I just...I always thought you and I would end up together. It just makes sense." She brought her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them.
"You could've fooled me, dating Hisashi and holding him over my head." Takashi's tone was a little bitter, but not as much as it would've been before all of this. He didn't realize until just now that he had let go of that for the most part. Back then, he had been jealous but now...
"You never paid attention to the other girls in our class. I thought you might fight for me if I dated another guy. Or at least..." Rei trailed off. She had thought he would at least wait for her to be done with Hisashi. As the thought ran through her mind, she felt even more shameful. She hadn't appreciated Takashi and she certainly hadn't appreciated Hisashi. But the world had changed and so had she. And apparently so had Takashi.
"So...how long have you been into guys?"
Takashi sputtered and blushed quite loudly before remembering where they were. He quietly cleared his throat and looked away. Now wasn't the time to tell her he'd been putting together the puzzle that was his confused feelings towards Hisashi and even the strange camaraderie he'd found with Kohta before ever meeting Kirito.
"It's not just guys", he said instead. "I still like girls."
"Really?" Rei tried not to sound too hopeful but didn't succeed.
"Listen, I-"
"Let's get back", Rei stood up before he could discourage or reject her. "The others are probably worried about us."
Takashi got to his feet, figuring they could talk more later. Tonight had been more than enough. When they got back to the rest of the group, all heads turned towards them. Many of the jaws were dropped to the floor. All except for Asuna and Kirito's.
"We told them", Kirito said.
"Told them what?", Takashi asked.
"We told them everything", Asuna answered.