So that was it then. He was just supposed to take off, with nothing more than that. His gaze fell briefly to their linked hands, his empty ones curling tight at his sides. Why'd he have to do this. He was going, but he wasn't going like this.

Kai crossed the space they'd put between them, pulling Kyoko into another swift hug. One tight squeeze as he murmured "Love you" in her ear. A smooch at her cheek. Stay safe, don't do anything he'd do.

And then it was Shinji. It wasn't a hug this time, but Kai carefully cupped the other boy's face as he bumped his head against his. "Never wanted to ask you for this," he whispered. To expect him to carry this weight again. Kai was supposed to make sure he didn't have to! And yet, here they were. Lifting his head, Kai pressed a kiss to his forehead. "Love you."

He let go. Got on the bike. "Be back soon." Hating himself for letting this happen, he took off.