Fumiko woke up to see she was the only one still in bed, Daisuke was probably working in the field, but it was unlikely they made Kai do that so soon.
Kai was fast asleep on the couch downstairs, curled up in a blanket Mrs Mei put over him. I thought you three went to bed together, how'd he get here, Mei called out from the kitchen. Good morning mom, Fumiko ran over and hugged her from behind. Okay freshen up and come set the table, he'll be up by then, she instructed after Daisuke came in anf relayed his equal shock upon seeing him there.
What's wrong Kai, is the food not to your liking, mom asked kindly when it caught her attention that he was barely eating, he was already pale as a ghost, his eyes all swollen, but she imagined it was the grief.
Although grief also played a part in his tattered look, there was one more thing bothering him. What happened last night replayed in his head, he tried to convince himself it was just a silly dream, but no, he was awake and he knew that for sure. He didn't even know when he slept off on the couch, because there was only one question on his mind, how could the human body possibly move on it's own against the owners wishes. He opened his mouth trying to muster up the courage to explain everything to them, but then it dawned on him, if something was wrong with the pitiful orphan they decided to foster, nothing was stopping them from throwing him on the street. The thought of being alone and scared, with no one in the world to look forward to seeing sent shivers down his spine.
He hung his head low shaking it from side to side. I'm fine, I'm just a bit tired, he let out, not noticing Daisuke's suspicious gaze, he knew there was something the strange boy wasn't telling them.
Later that evening Kai stared into his room from the door. He had so many nightmares yesterday, and loads of sob sessions, he was still too scared to sleep alone, but he didn't want to intrude. Not to mention his body was now moving on it's own. Kai's soul almost departed his body when Daisuke called out to him, "what are you doing at your door".
He felt the mysterious quiet guy breathe down his face as he was standing way too close. Normally Kai would have been flustered, but he didn't have the capacity for that at the moment. Nothing, just thinking, he stepped into the room, Daisuke following behind, Kai was happy he had someone his age to talk to, it was rather comforting.
Although their little convo was cut short, when he felt his fingers slowly moving on their own. He quickly swung his hand behind his back, trying to act normal with an awkward small, although all that couldn't fool the dark horse, what's wrong, Daisuke stepped closer wanting to help, as the noticed the change in attitude.
Now he could feel his whole arm moving on it's own, struggling to break free from the other. Nothing, I-I'm fine, hey could I use your phone, mine's gone, he maintained that weird smile. Thank's just put it on the table over there, he tilted his head, okay bye see you later, Kai pushed him out locking the door quickly, ignoring all his protests.
.....*..... ...…*...…
Are you sure you want to go with them today. It hasn't been too long, I know, Mrs Mei clapped once like she had a bright idea, why don't you, I and Fumiko stay home, it'll be so much fun, right Miko, yes it'll be so fun, she hopped.
That's not necessary Ma'am, he replied appreciating her worry for him. I'm not perfectly fine, but I'm okay now, and I even look okay, I'd like to go to school and get my mind off something's, and from tomorrow I'd also like to help Sir and Daisuke in the field, he announced. Mrs Mei, noticing that there was no convincing him, decided to give up, but not before telling Daisuke to take care of him.
On their walk to school, he realized that he was indeed living in the country side, it wasn't that noticeable since he's been cooped up in the house for about a month. So how far is college, he started small talk, the next village, we'll drop Fumiko off and catch the school bus. The next village?, Kai's eyes widened, does this village not have a high school, we do, but it's not as competitive as the one you guys go to, Miko chirped. Take care of him Daisuke, you know he came from the city so he's probably weak, no I'm not, he protested a bit flustered.
Well well well, look what the wind blew in, Japanese trash, the students seating at the table fled as a group of guys approached. Kai, still eating, ignoring them as they took their seats, he looked rather calm, but he was in fact scared, he had good built, but as Miko mentioned earlier he was quite weak. Look at him trying to act slick, that laughed, hey Japanese trash, when I'm talking to you, you look at me okay, he poked him repeatedly.
Kai closed his eyes tight as he withdrew his hand ready to receive the slap. Slowly opening his eyes upon hearing painful moans and soft gasps, turning to see Daisuke twisting the bully's hand tightly. Soft whispers filled the canteen, stay away from him, Daisuke warned firmly before letting him go, the bullies fled with their tails in between their legs.
Kai couldn't help but admire Daisuke, not only was he strong enough to protect himself, he was strong enough to protect others. Are you okay, Daisuke gasped as he flashed him a wide smile, he hadn't seen him smile genuinely since he got here, so that was a first. It's my duty to protect you, he replied after Kai thanked him.