Ali

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."