The knife glides on Yeonjun's toast, melting as it makes contact with the bread that had just left the hot toaster. He passes the knife to Soobin who happily takes it and butters his own toast, pairing it with honey and apples.

The two along with Beomgyu who chooses to skip breakfast and sits down with a big mug of coffee hanging around the kitchen, Soobin sits on the island while Yeonjun and Beomgyu have their breakfast standing.

They got over their hangover quite fast thankfully, they didn't drink enough last night to cause real damage in the morning after, but Yeonjun does feel extra sluggish; he hopes some food will help with that.

"Do you have practice today?" It's the weekend, but Beomgyu expects a positive answer either way. Yeonjun has the key to the studio, so he practices whenever he has the time.

His boyfriend nods and slides another 2 slices of bread in the toaster. "I need to get to the studio in a few hours, I'll be there tonight as well."

Beomgyu's forehead creases. He puckers his lips. He knows nothing he can say can stop Yeonjun from getting in practice hours, so he just reminds him to stay hydrated. "I'll pick you up tonight then?"

"I'll need a ride too." Soobin chimes in and Beomgyu turns to him. "You are ruining date night for us, you know?" he asks jokingly. "What for?"

"

Taehyun walks through the kitchen door, his eyes squinted and puffy making it seem like they are closed. His hair sticks everywhere, and it does not appear he has washed his face at all. Am amusing sight, Soobin thinks.

"Good morning. had enough sleep?" he teases.

"Kai isn't here." Taehyun ignores Soobin; almost talking to himself as he says that.

Beomgyu's eyebrows arch and he leans his body a little towards Taehyun. "He's upstairs, isn't he?" he asks. "Didn't you sleep in his room last night?"

"I did." Taehyun scratched his head and ran his fingers through his messy hair. "I woke up and he wasn't on the second floor, so I assumed." He looks at the kitchen.

"He's not here either," Beomgyu answers his unspoken question, he looks a little confused not knowing where his brother is. It's not unusual that Kai is often not in the house, but he has the habit of telling Beomgyu where he goes after years of nagging and worrying; Beomgyu didn't need to beg for Kai's location any longer.

It does so happen that Kai forgets or slips into the old habit of going off on his own.

"Has he left early?"

"I woke up at seven," Yeonjun says. "I didn't see him then either. How early could he have woken up."

Beomgyu turns to Taehyun. "You haven't heard anything?"

Taehyun's morning only began 5 minutes ago. He does feel like he forgot something important, or maybe missed something. It feels like there is something he needs to recall, but he can't. He shakes his head. "Nothing."

He wasn't a fan of waking up alone, especially when he woke up shivering and Kai was the perfect heater. It bugs him that he didn't get to exchange a work with Kai before he went out. It's the weekend and while Kai doesn't share his life easily Taehyun thinks there is no important place he could be in right now.

No classes, no college.

Maybe he's at the library but that is a wild guess too.

Taehyun could get a hold of Kai on his phone, but he was cautious not to scare Kai away.

He feels as if he'll push just a little harder Kai will slip away. It's hard enough to get him where they are right now, he wouldn't risk it. He has to swallow his curiosity.

Taehyun sits next to Soobin and pours himself a glass of orange juice from the pitcher. He might as well drink it before he brushes his teeth. "Are you coming back to the dorm with me?"

"Yeah." Soobin brushes the crumbs off his pants. "Are you ready?"

Taehyun shakes his head. "Let me wash my face first." He hears a dialing sound from Beomgyu; calling Kai. He tunes into the call intently, but it appears Kai isn't answering.

Beomgyu looks at his phone with a displeased expression. He calls again, but the same thing happens; he gives up and puts his phone on the island. Yeonjun gives him a look that asks if everything is fine.

Beomgyu shakes his head, dismissing his boyfriend's worries. It troubles him not knowing where his brother is but since he doesn't want to concern the others he puts on a smile and slips into the conversation between Soobin and Taehyun about their schedule for the weekend including procrastination for their exams and binging of the latest popular movie.

His phone pings, drawing both his and Taehyun's attention.

Hyuka: Out. Don't call.

Me: Okay. Stay safe, please.

...................

He nearly crashes into someone else's car on the road; putting his phone into the holder after texting his brother; and pressing call on a contact. Kai stirs the wheel quickly and blends into traffic again; causing some idiot to honk at him.

He taps his pointer finger on the wheel, fidgety.

"Hello?"

"Yui."

"Kai? Is that you?" There is a smile in her voice.

"Yes." he strains. "Are you home?"

A few static noises come out of the speaker. "Yes, I am. Do you need something, sweetheart?"

He presses on the gas and switches the gears; the car soars loudly. "Could I come over for just a bit?"

"I'll brew the tea, sweetie. Are you on the road?"

"Yes."

"Drive slowly."

"I will."

Yui gives him a big hug as soon as she opens the door, ushering him inside because it's too cold at this time in the morning. The heat is on in the house, no doubt. He sits on the couch, there is already a cup of tea waiting for him on the coffee table.

He takes a sip and thanks her for the consideration which she dismisses with a wave of her hand. "What is it you need, darling? You look skittish."

Kai sets the cup on the table. "Do you recall a Mr. Harrison from your high school days? Tall, I presume. Blueish-gray eyes, brown hair."

She visibly recoils. "I think I do yes." her expression piques Kai's interest. He tilts his head. "He was a weird kid."

"In what sort of way?"

She appears to contemplate her answer. "Oh, I don't know... "Yui says in a forced light tone. She looks up at Kai, her eyes are hesitating.

But his eyes tell her he will not leave without hearing what he wants to hear, she puckers her lips and blinks her eyes a few times; fidgeting with his wrists. "He had something for your mother."

"That is not all, is it?"

She shakes her head slowly. "It wasn't a regular crush... but you know how teenagers are. They think high school love is sacred."

"Please don't change the subject." Kai pleads. "Wasn't a regular crush, how did that manifest in real life?"

"Kai... "

"Please, Yui."

She runs her hand through her short hair and leans back on the couch. "He'd sometimes wait for Soo-Ha outside the school, she was already with Finn, but he kept wanting her attention. I guess I thought he was a little... intense," she admits. "I think Jack loved your mother, not just how you crush on someone. Real love. He wanted her."

"Shortly."

Yui shakes her head again. "It started in freshman year when we were only 14. It got worse when she and Finn started getting serious." she sighs. "I don't know if I read it right back then. I used to think Jack got mad because Soo-Ha picked Finn even though she knew about... "

"His diagnosis?" Kai guesses and Yui pulls an apologetic face.

"It icked him that she preferred someone who was mentally ill over him. But perhaps I saw it with subjective eyes, I never really liked him. I rooted for Finn; you know?" she smiles. "A strong guy, your dad was. Strong enough for Soo-Ha to lean on."

He does know. He knows well enough to believe his dad is innocent. He was too strong to let his illness win. To lose control over himself.

"Why have you kept this from me?"

Yui takes his hand, looking into his eyes with genuine contemplation. "A young boy like you should not worry about the past." she shakes her head. "I don't want this to be what is holding you back from living your live, sweetheart."

Though he understands where she is coming from, he can't help but let it hold him back;

Not when he knows the truth, not when he can hear his father restlessly turning in his grave at night, when it's quiet enough; he hears him.

The story isn't done, Kai. He speaks. And Kai knows, knows he only saw the tip of the iceberg, only solved a piece of the puzzle. The truth has to come to light and Kai is the only one who cares enough, knows enough to uncover it.

The rest, he thinks are probably hoping it's true. Probably hoping he is wrong.

Someone else set that fire, someone else killed his parents and he will not allow himself to leave this earth not knowing who. Not putting a hole inside their head.

Until then, he will keep looking even if that takes him around the world and back. Even if it kills his last will to live.

Only then, will he die peacefully.

"Right." his face hardens. He sets the tea aside. "Thank you, Yui." He gets up; feeling his eyes following him with worry and uneasiness, almost as if she wants to sit him back down and drill the words into his brain. Stop, Kai. This isn't good for you. She looks at him quietly.

He wonders what she's thinking about behind her thoughtful eyes.

"No problem, sweetheart." her voice aches. Her hand reaches for him instinctively, but she pulls back. It is like trying to console someone who doesn't want to be consoled, so much to say but nothing that can help.

Even with the best intentions.

"Kai." She calls when he is already at the door. He turns around. "Please, call me if you are ever in trouble." His tone is earnest. "You can trust me, I promise."

He nods once. "I know. I will." he won't. But you never say no to a safety net. "Thank you, Yui." his words feel almost like a goodbye for some reason. "For everything."