Kaito couldn't stop thinking about it.
Ren Takahashi.
The way the cafeteria shifted.
The way Ryo stood up without being told.
The way that single glance felt heavier than any shove he'd received this year.
That night, James was quieter than usual.
No jokes.
No teasing.
Just focused drills.
"Again," James said.
Kaito threw a jab.
Blocked.
Stepped back.
Guard up.
James didn't counter.
He was observing.
"Your timing improved," James said calmly.
Kaito hesitated.
"…You know him, don't you?"
Silence.
James lowered his hands.
"Who?"
"Ren Takahashi."
The air changed.
Not tense.
But deliberate.
James walked to the kitchen, grabbed a bottle of water, took a sip.
"…I do."
Kaito sat up straighter.
"How?"
James didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he said:
"Tomorrow. I'll tell you tomorrow."