"Hello?" Miyasi answered the phone when she heard a woman on the other line. Itsuhara's voice rang out loud and urgent as she gripped the phone in her hand. "Who are you? Where is Kavei?!"

Hearing her enraged voice, Miyasi stumbled on her words as she spoke. "Th-this is Miyasi. I am a friend of Kavei. The thing is he suddenly fell unconscious..."

As the conversation unfolded, Henkai's grip tightened on the steering wheel, his knuckles turning white with tension. Kavei was conversing with him just a moment ago. The revelation that Kavei had fallen unconscious sent a wave of panic through him, and he pushed the accelerator even harder, desperate to reach their destination as quickly as possible.

"We're coming," Itsuhara declared firmly into the phone, her voice resolute with determination. With each passing second, the urgency of the situation weighed heavily on them, driving them forward with a sense of purpose as they raced against time to reach Kavei and ensure his safety.

[Location: the street
Landmark: unknown
Time: 2:55 pm
Date: 28th July]

Henkai slowed the car to a halt as he noticed Kavei on the street, surrounded by a couple of children. Itsuhara reacted swiftly, jumping out of the car.

"Why are you guys on the street?" Itsuhara's voice conveyed her immediate concern as she addressed the group.

"Hello, ma'am. Kavei refused to go to any medical centers and then completely fell unconscious," Benio replied, his voice tinged with worry as he remained crouched beside Kavei, who lay in Miyasi's lap. Kavei's breathing was labored, his forehead beaded with sweat as Benio anxiously rubbed his palms together.

Itsuhara clicked her tongue in frustration as she crouched down beside Benio. The street they found themselves on was deserted, devoid of any signs of civilization.

"Kavei, can you hear me?" Itsuhara's voice was gentle as she addressed the distressed boy.

"Yeah, not deaf yet," Kavei replied, his voice strained but calm, despite the obvious discomfort he was in.

"What's happening?" Itsuhara's concern deepened as she sought answers.

"I don't know," Kavei admitted, his confusion palpable.

"Tell me what you are feeling right now," Itsuhara urged softly.

"Weird," Kavei replied, his voice a mixture of confusion and discomfort.

"Explain weird," Itsuhara prompted, her concern growing with each passing moment.

Kavei struggled to articulate his symptoms. "My head is spinning, a weird pounding in my neck, ringing in my ears, and it's hard to breath," Itsuhara's heart sank with each word.

"Exaggeration?" Itsuhara's question was hesitant, betraying her fear.

"Serious," Kavei replied, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

"Kavei, this might not be just a simple headache. Let's go to the doctor--" Itsuhara suggested urgently, her worry evident.

"You already kicked me out of my house. There is nothing more you should do, don't you think?" Kavei's words cut through the air, causing Itsuhara's anger to flare.

"Hey! Don't say it like that! I am giving you a bigger, better place to live in!" Itsuhara retorted, her frustration evident.

"Excuse me, miss. Yukina," Benio interjected politely, gently turning Kavei's face towards his own.

"Let's go to a hospital," Benio suggested softly, his concern evident in his tone.

"I don't think you are responsible for me," Kavei said harshly.

"But you are," Benio countered gently.

"And?" Kavei's response was curt.

"What will I do if something happens? I don't want a huge blame on my head at this age," Benio stated earnestly, his words carrying weight beyond his years.

"Then leave. I didn't ask you to stay," Kavei replied coldly.

"I asked myself to stay," Benio persisted.

"Then that's your problem," Kavei shot back, his frustration evident.

"It's yours," Benio countered immediately. Itsuhara observed the exchange, realizing that Benio was not someone Kavei could easily dismiss.

"What?" Kavei's confusion was evident.

"I am staying because you need my help, no?" Benio's question hung in the air, challenging Kavei's resolve.

"Not right now," Kavei's response was sharp.

"And tomorrow?" Benio pressed on, refusing to back down.

"Day after?" Benio continued, his persistence unwavering. Kavei remained silent, his resolve crumbling under Benio's unwavering determination.

"Good. Let's go," Benio declared, helping Kavei to his feet and guiding him slowly into Henkai's car.

Itsuhara watched in amazement as Benio took charge, his calm demeanor contrasting with Kavei's agitation.

"Who... is that crafty guy?" Itsuhara asked Miyasi as they stood up together.

"Haha. It's weird, right, ma'am? Benio manages to win an argument with Kavei at times," Miyasi remarked with a chuckle.

"Oh yeah. Pretty weird," Itsuhara agreed, her admiration for Benio growing with each passing moment.

[Location: Shinagawa medical centre
Time: 5:00 pm
Date: 28th July]

Kavei's gaze shifted from the ceiling to the source of the voice, recognizing Benio immediately. He struggled to make sense of his surroundings, the sterile smell and the faint hum of medical equipment indicating that he was indeed in a hospital room.

"Benio nii. Where are we?" Kavei inquired, his voice betraying his confusion as he turned his head to look at Benio.

"Forgot?" Benio's response came with a hint of amusement as he sat on a stool beside Kavei's bed.

"From the looks of it, I'm guessing it's a hospital room," Kavei deduced, trying to piece together the situation.

Benio nodded in affirmation. "How are you feeling now?" he asked, his concern evident in his tone.

"Fine. What did they do to me?" Kavei's curiosity got the better of him as he sought answers about his condition.

"They experimented on you," Benio replied with a mischievous glint in his eyes, clearly teasing his friend.

"I am serious," Kavei insisted, his tone conveying his earnestness.

"So am I," Benio shot back, his expression deadpan.

"What?" Kavei's confusion deepened at Benio's cryptic response.

"Yeah. Syringes, sample sachets... that's experimenting to me," Benio elaborated, a hint of sarcasm lacing his words. "And anyway, I'm not sure what you've been doing or how you've been living, but you gotta do something about the lack of nutrients in your body."

Kavei couldn't help but chuckle at Benio's dry humor, realizing that his friend was trying to lighten the mood despite the seriousness of the situation.

A while later, Itsuhara stormed into the room, her expression a mixture of anger and regret, evident in the furrowed eyebrows and the intense gaze in her eyes. She held a sheet tightly in her right hand, her steps purposeful as she approached the boys. The atmosphere in the room shifted, and both Kavei and Benio braced themselves for whatever was about to come.

With a forceful motion, Itsuhara slammed the sheet onto the end table, causing Benio to flinch slightly at the sudden noise. Kavei, sitting up straighter, met Itsuhara's gaze, trying to gauge her emotions from her intense stare. Before they could say anything, she turned abruptly and left the room, her departure as sudden as her entrance.

Once Itsuhara had left, Kavei reached for the sheet, curiosity gnawing at him. As he picked it up, he saw that it was a doctor's prescription. His eyes scanned the paper, noting the clear instructions urging him to prioritize his health and not neglect basic human necessities. A sigh escaped him as he finished reading the prescription, realizing why Itsuhara had been so visibly upset.

An hour spent in the hospital room had left Kavei feeling drained, both physically and emotionally. As he lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling fan spinning slowly above him, he felt a sense of numbness washing over him. The events of the day had taken their toll, and he longed for the comfort of his own home.

Finally deciding to leave, Kavei slid out of the sheets and onto his feet, the cold floor sending a shiver through his body. He began searching for his shoes, only to have them brought to him by the nurse along with his phone and sling bag.

"Ah, thanks," Kavei murmured, bowing his head in gratitude as the nurse placed the items on the floor before him.

"Your guardian has completed all the necessary documentation. You can leave now," the nurse informed him.

With a nod of acknowledgment, Kavei quietly exited the room, hoping to avoid any unwanted encounters. However, his plans were thwarted when Itsuhara appeared and pulled him aside with a firm grip. Despite his reluctance, Kavei followed her lead, knowing that resistance would only lead to more trouble.

As they approached Henkai's car, Itsuhara directed Kavei to sit in the passenger seat, her silent command leaving no room for argument. With a resigned sigh, Kavei complied, keeping his gaze fixed on the floor as Henkai drove them to Kavei's home.

Arriving at his house, Kavei hurried inside to pack his belongings, feeling Itsuhara's intense gaze burning into the floorboards behind him. It was clear that she was determined to see him relocated to a new home without delay.

"Kavei, we're leaving for your new house," Itsuhara announced firmly, her tone brooking no opposition.

Kavei remained silent, neither protesting nor agreeing to the plan. Instead, he shouldered his bag and waited quietly for Henkai to start the car. As they drove away from his old house, there was nothing but silence that accompanied them.

[Two hours later

Apartment complex

In front of the main gates]

As Henkai drove into the parking lot, his actions were met with no resistance or questioning, allowing him to navigate smoothly through the open, black, polished gates. Itsuhara and Kavei followed suit, with the security guard stationed at the entrance nodding in acknowledgement as they passed.

The security guard was a tall, burly man with a stern expression, his uniform crisply pressed and adorned with various badges denoting his authority. His gaze was sharp and observant as he scrutinized each person who entered the premises, ensuring the safety and security of the residents.

Once inside, they were greeted by a pleasant-looking lady, her demeanor warm and welcoming. She wore a professional attire, her hair neatly styled, and her smile genuine as she approached them. Her name tag identified her as Ms. Sakamoto, the property manager responsible for showing prospective tenants around the complex.

"Good afternoon, welcome to the apartment complex," Ms. Sakamoto greeted them with a polite bow. "I'll be your guide for today. Please follow me."

Leading the way, Ms. Sakamoto guided Itsuhara and Kavei through the well-maintained grounds of the complex, pointing out various amenities such as the swimming pool, fitness center, and communal areas. Her knowledgeable demeanor and friendly manner put Kavei at ease as they walked.

Eventually, they arrived at Kavei's unit, and Ms. Sakamoto unlocked the door, allowing them to step inside.

As Kavei stepped into his new apartment, he couldn't help but notice the stark contrast to his previous living quarters. The space was bright and airy, with clean lines and a contemporary design that exuded a sense of modern elegance.

The living room welcomed him with plush, charcoal-gray sofas arranged around a sleek glass coffee table. Vibrant accent pillows added a pop of color to the otherwise neutral color palette, while abstract artwork adorned the walls, infusing the space with personality.

Large windows stretched from floor to ceiling, offering panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape and allowing natural light to flood the room. Sheer curtains billowed gently in the breeze, adding a touch of softness to the space.

Adjacent to the living room was a stylish dining area, featuring a chic glass-topped table surrounded by sculptural chairs. Overhead, a contemporary pendant light fixture cast a warm glow over the space, creating an inviting atmosphere for shared meals and gatherings.

The kitchen boasted sleek, stainless steel appliances and gleaming quartz countertops, providing ample space for meal preparation and cooking. Crisp white cabinetry offered plenty of storage, while a breakfast bar with modern bar stools provided a casual spot for quick meals or morning coffee.

Moving further into the apartment, Kavei discovered a cozy bedroom tucked away for privacy and relaxation. The room was furnished with a comfortable queen-sized bed adorned with crisp white linens and plush pillows. A large window overlooked the city below, offering a tranquil view of the bustling streets.

Next to the bedroom, a sleek bathroom featured contemporary fixtures and finishes, including a walk-in shower with glass doors and a modern vanity with ample storage space. Neutral tiles adorned the floor and walls, creating a spa-like ambiance perfect for unwinding after a long day.

Itsuhara beamed with pride as she admired the surroundings.

"It's amazing, isn't it?" Itsuhara remarked, turning to Kavei with a hopeful expression.

Kavei's initial smile faltered slightly, his excitement tempered by a sense of apprehension. "It's alright," he replied blandly, his tone betraying his inner turmoil despite his attempt to mask it.