Kaito made himself a cup of coffee, hoping the warm bitterness would snap him out of the daze. He sat at the small kitchen table, staring absently out the window as the first hints of sunlight crept over the city. Questions about Ren crowded his mind, but he hesitated to press for answers. After all, who was he to demand explanations from a man he'd only just met?

The sound of movement stirred Kaito's attention. Turning toward the living room, he saw Ren awake, sitting upright on the sofa. His pure white hair was disheveled, but the calm expression on his face remained unchanged.

"Good morning," Kaito said softly, unsure if Ren had noticed him watching.

Ren turned his gaze toward Kaito, his intense, swirling eyes locking with his own. "Morning," Ren replied in that same soothing voice, subtle but genuine smile appearing on his face.

Kaito hesitated before speaking again, unsure how to approach the burning questions in his heart. "How are you feeling? Are your injuries... better?"

Ren tilted his head slightly, as if considering the question. "Better than before," he answered with a shrug.

Kaito felt his nerves flutter again but tried to steady himself. There was so much more he wanted to ask; Who Ren was, why he'd been lying beaten in an alley, where he came from. But he wasn't sure Ren would answer. Whatever Ren's secrets were, they seemed tightly guarded, and Kaito wasn't ready to push him.

The silence hung in the air between them, both men seemingly caught in their own thoughts. Kaito cleared his throat, the quiet between them growing heavy. He glanced over at the clock and ran a hand through his hair. "I... I need to get ready for work," he said, voice soft.

Ren lifted his head, those intriging eyes fixed on Kaito. "You're really going out today?" he asked, brow curving with curiosity.

Kaito nodded, heart fluttering at how concerned Ren sounded. "Yeah. Can't stay here all day... deadlines and all." He stood, stretching his stiff ankle. "I'll be back this evening."

Ren rose smoothly to his feet. "Do you want company?" he offered, surprising Kaito with the question.

Flustered, Kaito shook his head. "No, no... thank you, but you should rest." He picked up his bag and moved towards the bathroom, shoulders stiff with nerves.

Ren's gaze followed him. "Alright," he said quietly. "Be safe."

Kaito managed a small smile. "I will." And with that, he slipped into the bathroom to prepare for the day, Ren's soft words echoing behind him.