Kyle was quiet the entire time they went back to Sayuri's apartment and Sayuri wisely kept silent. She could sense the turmoil of emotions that were shivering underneath that calm facade.

Once inside, Kyle asked, "Where do you want these?"

"Anywhere is fine," Sayuri answered.

He placed them in the living room, next to the coffee table and slumped onto the sofa. He jerked a bit when he felt soft hands on his shoulders, slowly kneading them and easing the tension within them. He didn't reject her kind gesture and relaxed.

"Sorry if that was a bit rough on you," Sayuri said, exerting just the right amount of pressure, "I had to show you how desperate she had become."

Kyle leaned back, sighing as he closed his eyes, "No, I'm the one who's sorry for making you go through all that. Sometimes it takes someone from the outside to truly see what's happening."

"What are you apologizing for anyway? I'm the one that offered to help and to be frank, that was hardly even a challenge," Sayuri said, using slightly more force in her massage, "I've been taught about all sorts of personalities and behaviour, so her reactions were within my calculations."

Kyle sighed and patted her hands as thanks as he sat back up straight, thinking hard on the past few weeks.

"It's you who is too soft and kindhearted, really," Sayuri pressed on, "You have to be ruthless in situations like this, to nip it in the bud. Sarah's situation got to this stage because you didn't deal with it from the start."

"She was 13 when it first began!" Kyle protested, "I could hardly crush such a young girl's budding feelings, could I?"

"But that's how obsessive behaviour can start, you know," Sayuri pointed out and Kyle started rubbing his head vigorously, messing up his hair.

He still looked sexy though.

Seeing how agitated and lost Kyle looked, made Sayuri laugh. So he was human after all. This was the first time she ever saw him flustered and it was a nice change.

Kyle shrugged, smiling sheepishly at her.

"Xing Han did say I'm a special kind of stupid," Kyle mumbled.

"Xing Han is truly wise," Sayuri replied in admiration.

✿.✿.✿.✿

There were two more stops Kyle needed to make before heading back. The side-quest with Sarah had been unexpected but it didn't take up too much time.

He just called back to let Father know that he wouldn't be back for dinner.

The first place he headed off to was to see Sam's parents. He basically went to inform them of him quitting school and transferring out. They had been shocked, and listened closely as it involved their son. He didn't reveal much about himself, but they were satisfied.

"Sam has been nothing but an indispensable help to me these past few years," Kyle said, "I just want him to grow now, while I do my things. When I get back, the position is still there for him should he want it. I just don't want you to worry about him right now."

They nodded, grateful that Kyle even bothered to come and inform them personally.

"Sam is rather busy right now, but he will come home once everything is finalised for my departure," Kyle told them. They were appeased and Kyle left. This was the only thing he could do for Sam, for he didn't want Sam's refusal to go home be something that bit him back later.

The last stop was the stop that he dreaded the most.

Ali.

Kyle decided that the best place to talk to Ali, was at Ali's house. It was late at night already, at a time that Kyle knew Ali's parents would be in their room or in bed.

He easily entered the compound, avoiding all the security cameras and detection wires. Scaling up the wall, he jumped onto Ali's balcony and called him.

"Hey, what's up?" Ali's voice cheerfully sounded over the phone.

"I need to talk to you," Kyle said softly, leaning on the balcony and looking out.

Noting the seriousness in Kyle's voice, Ali sat up straight on his chair. He closed his laptop and asked, "What is it?"

Kyle sighed, then said, "I have really a lot to tell you, so I'd rather tell you personally rather than over the phone."

"Not a problem!" Ali said, jumping up, "I'm on the first flight over to Country M!"

"No, you don't need to," Kyle said.

Ali was already at his closet, swinging it open and grabbing a few clothes, "No arguments. I'm packing right now as we speak."

"Just go out to your balcony, Ali," Kyle said.

"Balcony...?"

Although puzzled, Ali did as Kyle said. Opening the doors to his balcony, he froze at the sight.