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Kaito approached Len quietly as the boy sat near the lake.
“Oh, hi Kaito,” The boy said shyly, looking up at him.
“Why do you always spend so much time here? It's dangerous, you almost drowned in this lake before.”
“I- It's okay! I'll be careful.” Kaito looked down at him. He sat down next to him and looked into the water to see if anything had changed. No, it was still the same lake. Occasionally, some objects would float around in the water. But only Mafuyu could pick them up.
“Mh? Kaito-san, do you like this lake too?”
“No,” He answered briskly. “I'm just making sure you don't drown again.”
“Kaito-san, I- I promise I'll be careful! You don't need to stay here…” Kaito remained silent with a sullen expression as he gazed into the murky water. Len always wondered what was under those cold, blue eyes. He would probably remain wondering, though. Considering how hard it was to read him, maybe he'd always remain wondering…
Len leaned on Kaito's shoulder. Kaito jolted a bit. He really didn't see that coming. He tried to glare at Len and appear like he was angry. But he had to admit: the warmth of Len's body against his, made Kaito feel calm.
Kaito felt gentle arms wrap around him. He was about to try and kick Len off but Len started talking before he could even get a word in.
“Why are you so unhappy Kaito-san?”
“That's not really any of your business.”
“But I don't want Kaito-san to be in pain…”
“I'm not, it's fine…” Kaito insisted, gritting his teeth in anger. He wasn't about to open up, especially not to a brat like Len.
“Kaito-san…”
Kaito stood up. He couldn't handle Len's sympathy filled grating voice grinding against his ears. Kaito began to saunter off.
“Wait, Kaito-san-”
“Shut up! Just leave me alone!” Despite his wishes, Len only got closer. Kaito pushed him. He watched the blonde haired boy stumble backwards. He began to near the edge of the lake. Kaito dashed over and caught him just in time.
Kaito glared down at the boy and pushed him away from the lake.
“Leave. Me. Alone.” Kaito demanded as he stormed off. Len wished there was something he could do. He doesn't want to see Kaito in pain, he doesn't want to see anyone in pain… But how is he supposed to help Kaito if he doesn't even know what is causing his suffering? Kaito would never tell anyone about anything that personal. Len wondered what he could do to help, if anything. He could ask, but Kaito would probably just get angry at him and storm off again. What should he do?
Len paced around the empty sekai aimlessly. Until someone came up behind him.
“Len?” He jumped slightly and made a noise of surprise.
“Oh, hi Miku.”
“Is something the matter? You look worried,” Miku asked. Her presence always brought a sense of relief to the boy. Her eyes were hollow, but gentle, and warm.
“I'm-” Len cut himself off. Should he tell her that he's worried about Kaito? He would probably have to explain what happened to Miku if he wanted any advice. But, would Kaito want Len to share something so personal? “Uhm…”
“Len?”
“It's nothing Miku,” Len smiled at her, trying to give some reassurance. But Miku only frowned. She could tell it was feigned, but she didn't push. Len would tell her when he was ready… She hoped.
Kaito found a secluded spot in the sekai. It was completely desolate, he couldn't hear anyone. Kaito sighed, and sat down cross-legged. His chest felt heavy. He wondered if he was good enough to help Mafuyu, or anyone. He was sure everyone hated him. At first he thought they were the ones with the problem, but is it really him? He screamed at Len earlier for just wanting to help and almost drowned him. He didn't mean to push Len near the edge, obviously. But still…
Was he good enough?
If he can't even help anyone, then why should he get help?
Kaito groaned. What is he doing here sulking about what he did? He's so pathetic sometimes.
Kaito continued to sit on the cold ground of the empty world. His hands felt clammy, and his chest felt tight. He told himself it was fine. But deep down, he just wanted someone to hold him and tell him it was okay.
Kaito pushed those thoughts away. No, it's fine. He's always felt this way. Even before he got sent down here to the sekai he was in now. He knew he couldn't sing as well as the other vocaloids. He knew that he was inferior. He still feels that way, even now. So why was it only bothering him now? This is just what he's used to. He shouldn't have any problems with feeling like this.
Regardless of his thoughts, his emotions only screamed louder in his mind. The overflowing feelings made his stomach turn. His throat tightened. His eyes stung. A familiar sting. He knew what was coming. No, he couldn't. He wasn't going to start bawling like a child. He wasn't like that. He was supposed to be stoic, unfazed. He was the straight man, not the damsel in distress. So, why were hot tears spilling from his eyes as he gasped for air between sobs? Why were his hands shaking? And why did he feel so terrible?
Len was walking until he heard faint sobbing. Len perked up, and strained his ears to hear where the sound was coming from. Was it Mafuyu? Len could hear the sound in front of him. He continued walking until he could see a figure with dark blue hair slumped over the ground sobbing. It took him a minute to register, then he soon realized it was: “Kaito?”
Len darted over to Kaito. He dropped down to his level. Kaito pushed him away.
“Leave me alone!” He shouted. He didn't want to be fussed over. He didn't want people to see him in such a fragile state. Len could hear the rawness in his voice. The pain. The anguish.
Kaito put his head down, desperately trying to hide the stream of tears running down his face. He inhaled brisk shallow breaths that merged into sobs.
Len dashed to his side. He wrapped his arms around Kaito's trembling body. The man was significantly taller than him, but right now he seemed so small… so fragile…
Len rubbed Kaito's back in soothing circles. Trying to be even a little bit helpful towards him.
After a while they were sitting on the ground together. Kaito held the boy close to his chest. Kaito had calmed down by then.
Kaito played with Len's fluffy blonde hair.
Len was laying on Kaito's chest. He could hear his soft heartbeat and deep breaths. Len was about to fall asleep before Kaito began to speak.
“Len?” He could hear (and feel) the rumble of the man's voice through his chest.
“Hm? What is it Kaito?”
“I'm sorry.” Len was confused. Why was Kaito apologizing?
“For what?”
“I'm sorry that you had to deal with that,” Kaito said it like he was ashamed of it.
“Kaito, you don't have to apologize,” Len tried to reassure him. Kaito looked down at him.
“Okay, Len.” He doesn't know if he was just seeing things. But Len could've sworn Kaito just smiled at him. It felt warm, but… strange…
Len nestles back down on Kaito's chest. He was probably just seeing things…