"We don't know if Ryo's even around here," Cye said as they entered the woods from their backyard. "He may be in the city."

"I doubt it," Rowen said. "He always seems to return right after we're done eating."

"Oh, yeah. I guess he does." Then Cye thought, why couldn't he just tell them? It would be a whole lot easier for all of us. What is he waiting for?

"Cye," Rowen started. "You okay over there?"

"Huh?" He looked over at him. "Yeah, I'm fine."

"You seem preoccupied. What're you thinking about?"

"Just wondering where he could be in these woods. That's all." Cye gave him a reassuring smile.

Rowen just shrugged it off and left it at that.

"Sage? Can you hear me?" Rowen asked through his mind.

"Yes."

"Are you also sensing that Cye is hiding something?"

"Yes. He's never been a good liar." Sage walked over a huge tree root that stuck out of the ground before continuing. "Whatever it is he's hiding, it's gotta be about Ryo."

"Agreed." Then he asked, "When should we confront him about it?"

"The same time we do, Ryo."

Fifteen minutes came of the three searching for Ryo in the woods.

They didn't have to look for him any longer, for Ryo walked up to them.

"Guys?" he asked, confused. "What're you doing here in the woods?"

"Looking for you," Sage answered, irritated.

"Oh." Ryo looked down and away, biting his bottom lip.

"Why do you never eat with us, Ryo?" Rowen asked.

"I, um…"

"He's allergic to many types of food," Cye answered for Ryo. He hoped they believed him.

"Really?" Sage and Rowen unison, stunned.

Cye smiled to himself. They actually fell for it!

"Uh, yeah," Ryo answered slowly.

"Why didn't you tell us?" Sage asked.

"Just scared, I guess."

"Dude, we're your best friends," Rowen said. "You could've told us."

"I didn't know how you would react. I thought it would be negative."

Sage rolled his eyes. "Oh, c'mon, Ryo. You know friends, true friends, would stick by each other no matter what. We would do the same."

Ryo smiled a small smile. "Thanks."

"Come on," Rowen said. "Let's get back to the house. I want to make sure Kento didn't eat our food."

The four walked back to the house, Ryo and Cye hanging back a little to talk through their mindlink.

"Thanks, Cye."

"You're welcome, but I really think you should tell them. I mean, you heard what Sage said. And what he said was true. We will all be by your side no matter what."

"Yeah, but being allergic to food is one thing, and being a vampire is another."

"Well, that first part is actually true for you since you can't have anything but blood.

"And I accepted what you are because you're my best friend, and I know you. Believe me when I say they will accept you as I have."

There was a moment of silence before Ryo spoke up. "Alright, I'll tell them."

"When?"

"After they eat."

Kento heard the backdoor open and close, and before he got to them, he yelled, "Hey! You guys find Ryo?"

"Yeah, we did," Sage answered.

Once he reached them, Kento rested his forearm on Ryo's shoulder and asked, "So bud, what's goin' on?"

Not really wanting to say that lie again after promising Cye he'd finally tell the others the truth, he cleared his throat. "Actually, there's something you guys should know."

"You mean there're more secrets?" Sage asked, annoyed once more.

"Well, um…"

Ryo was unable to answer the question, for a loud crash came from the front of the house.