#kaijul

She wondered how much Kai had known her in silence, while she was busy believing he hadn't noticed her at all.

Weeks ago, she casually mentioned that she hates thunderstorms. Another day, during a thunderstorm, Kai slowly closes the window before she reacts. No explanations, no 'I remembered'. Just action.

He knows when she is overwhelmed, when she is pretending to be okay, which smile is genuine and which smile isn't. She knew he understood her rhythm.

On their first argument, Julia was like, "You probably don't even know my favorite flowers."

Kai, without looking up, replied, "White lilies. Not roses. You only buy roses because people expect you to like them."

She was absolutely silent. Julia literally stopped functioning.

During heated arguments, she often blurts out that he doesn't understand her. Then, he says something devastatingly calm.

"You stir in multiple directions when you're nervous."

"You skip your dance practice when you are upset."

"You pretend to like coffee stronger than you actually do."

Nothing dramatic. Just casual.

His affection exists in memory, consistency, observation and silent adjustment. He loves through awareness. Julia expected compliments, reassurance and obvious romance. Instead, Kai offers understanding so precise it borders on intimacy. And, that's way more powerful.

Rain had started sometime earlier in the evening. She could hear it loud against the windows, soft at first, then steadier, threading through the silence of the room like distant static. Kai sat at the other end of the couch, an arm resting against the armrest, a book left forgotten in his lap.

"You know," she began casually, "in the past, I genuinely thought you didn't know anything about me."

Kai looked up, "I know. That's a strange conclusion."

"It's not," Julia argued just lightly, "You barely ask any questions."

A strange pause. Kai smirked, "You talk enough for both of us."

She stared at him for a second before chuckling, "That's not the point."

Kai closed the book, setting it aside with a quiet question, "Then what is it?"

Julia shifted closer to him, "Most people ask things when they are interested in someone."

"I am aware of it."

"You aren't."

Kai's gaze lingered on her for a moment, unreadable as always. The rain tapped gently against the windows.

Then, he hit the sore spot, "You dislike tea with extra sugar. But, you add them when you are tired."

Julia blinked.

"You twist your rings when you're irritated," he added. "And when you're lying, you stop making eye contact halfway through the sentence."

"Kai…"

"You also hate thunderstorms at night," he continued, quieter now. "That's why I closed the windows before the rain started."

Julia's lip parted slightly.

"Despite it being late, I am glad I understood you. In fact, I love this version of yours. Silence, calm and neutral on the outside, but deep down, you care for your loved ones."

"It includes you," his hand slowly held her back, cupping her shoulder before letting her rest on him.

"Hmm." Kai closed his eyes and enjoyed the peace coming from inside. He braced his scarf further to protect himself from the cold.

He turned and saw someone familiar. He knew her but never talked to her for once. She is none other than Julia, the captain of F-sangre. She was wearing a trenchcoat with her messy hair fluttering in the wind. Kai was never into girls, yet he found her pretty. Of course, he doesn't have anything romantic for her. Julie gave a side-eye and her jaw dropped. Kai quickly turned back, pretending not to see her.

"I know it was you, Kai. I never expected to see you here," she remarked and walked to him.

"I clarified if it was you, nothing more," Kai walked away from her. Julia was stunned by his attitude. She seethed and said, "You have no manners for sure."

Kai stopped along his trance and turned back. He gave a 'hnn' before he started again. "You do know about me, after all. But, there is so much you still aren't aware of," he smirked and walked off. She can never understand guys like Kai, or even guys in general.

Julia walked back to the hotel she was staying in. Coincidentally, it was the same place where the Bladebreakers were staying. She saw Kai reporting to the reception before he walked to the room. His room was somewhere on the second floor. Hers was on the fourth floor.

Kai knocked on the door several times, but Takao was fast asleep. Kai facepalmed. He informed Takao that he would be out. It was his fault too, he should've thought twice before roaming out. He gave up. He decided to sleep on the corridors until Takao would show up.

"Your roomie is not opening the door, pathetic," Julia mocked. She smirked and leaned against the wall.

"I can sleep here, I don't need your help."

Julia sighed and walked to him, "I knew you wanted to sleep on a cozy blanket this winter. Don't lie. I can give you room. Come with me."

Kai blushed at the thought of sleeping next to a girl. He couldn't help but accept her offer. She chuckled. Kai felt dreamy. She was beautiful. He smirked and followed her to the room.

It was the same as his's, except the aspect was different. They removed their coats and scarves and hung them. Julia grabbed her nightgown and went inside the restroom. She returned a few minutes later.

"Make yourself comfortable," Julia assured him. He sat on the sofa.

"Come to the bed!" she exclaimed. Kai blushed.

Julia's cheeks turned beet. She gasped, 'Wait, did he assume that I…'

"No, I didn't think like that. I-uhh… just… um… don't sleep beside girls… you know. I hate sleeping with Takao too, he is a loud, snorty kid. I hate his snoring, ugh."

Julia burst out laughing at Kai's remarks.

"Alright, I'm going to turn the lights off. Have a good night's sleep."

Julia shared the blanket with him.

"Am I troubling you, girl?" he asked.

"I've been feeling lonely since my brother is not here. He's on a date with his new girlfriend. It's nice to have you as my companion. Just get some sleep."

"Well, promise me one thing. Don't tell Takao or anyone that I stayed with you this night. He'll never get enough of me once he learns about that. I will have a tough time dealing with that doofus," Kai mumbled.

"Sure, I'll take care of it, but by the time I wake up, you will not be there," Julia mocked. Kai sighed and was frustrated with her remarks.

She turned the lights off and lit a candle. Kai felt the illuminating presence and turned to see her. She kept that on the thick yet flat headboard of the bed.

"Do you love candles?" Kai asked her.

"I do, they are beautiful. I'm going to purchase some of them tomorrow in the market. The Indian candles seem to be lovely. I'd love to have some."

"Nice," he gently smiled.

In a few minutes, Julia was fast asleep. Kai struggled since he was with a girl, all alone. He brought the candle towards her to see the breathtaking face. He laid the strands of her hair on her ear. "You are beautiful, of course. I hope you get more candles like these. They'll make your face glow."

Kai placed the candle aside and drifted off. He dreamed of Julia in a beautiful Indian outfit and makeover, with the room decorated with beautiful curtains, rose petals, and cushions. Red shawls were hung along the corners covering the bed. She held a big candle, waiting for Kai to lie by her side. The dark room was illuminated with beautiful candles around the confines of the room. Her smile was radiant the moment Kai came to her.

"Come close, Kai. I need you by my side this night."

Kai climbed on the bed and faced the beautiful girl. His fingers crawled on her cheek and drew her closer.

"I will never leave this radiant beauty," his amethyst eyes were interlocked with her emerald ones. His hands slowly crawled down to grab her by the waist.

"I will make this night memorable for you," he whispered into her ears.

...