Kasai's eyes, once appearing brown like hot cocoa on a winter day, were now anything but ordinary.
One eye gleamed like polished obsidian, a deep and unsettling pitch black, while the other blazed with a striking ruby red, vibrant and otherworldly.
A jagged scar traced a sinister path beneath his right eye, a scar that slithered down below the waterline like a dark claw carving its way through porcelain skin, adding an air of danger to his already enigmatic presence.
The contrast of darkness and light in his features painted a vivid picture that left Hikaru both captivated and wary.
"What happened to your eyes? Weren't they brown?" Hikaru hesitated as he allowed himself to speak, his voice barely rising above a whisper, a hint of apprehension lacing his words.
He felt a flutter of uncertainty in his chest; the thought of asking felt almost dangerous, as if he was stepping into uncharted territory.
He was still grappling with the weight of gratitude he owed, having been saved by this person not once, but twice.
"My eyes weren't," Kasai replied with a remarkable bluntness, his tone unwavering and sharp.
He didn't miss a single beat before adding, "Now my contact lenses, on the other hand, those were." His response hung in the air, both unexpected and oddly humorous, cutting through the tension that lingered like a thick fog.
Hikaru's eyes widened in astonishment, sparkling with a mix of disbelief and intrigue.
He instinctively raised a hand to cover his mouth, as if to stifle the look of surprise.
"So you had heterochromia this whole time? Not to be weird or anything, but I really don't know why you hid them, man. The color looks so badass on you!"
Kasai's expression momentarily softened, a fleeting glimmer of vulnerability flashing in his eyes that Hikaru could scarcely believe.
It was as if, for the briefest of moments, the cool expression he always wore cracked just enough to reveal a hint of warmth behind the stoic facade.
"Badass? Now that's a term I haven't heard being used on my eyes before. Thanks, I guess,"
As quickly as the softness had come, it was immediately replaced by his usual guarded expression.
"So, if you wear contacts and makeup… do you happen to know how I could dye my hair? I've always wanted it to be light blue!"
Kasai's lips curled into a faint smile, a fleeting expression that suggested he was struggling to contain a soft chuckle.
The corners of his mouth danced playfully, like a whisper of amusement trying to break free from the edges of his composure.
"I don't wear makeup and contacts on the regular—it was a special occasion. If you really want advice though, I'd recommend asking that ginger chick from earlier. The tips of her hair are very obviously dyed brown."
"I can confirm, she spends hours on that shit! I'm shocked that she isn't broke by now," Alexei's casual voice cut through the air, and Hikaru jolted slightly.
He had completely forgotten that Alexei was still behind him.
"Way to jumpscare someone…" Hikaru muttered under his breath, the sound barely escaping his lips.
Hikaru noticed Kasai's head snap around in the opposite direction, and his eyes were clearly glinting with barely contained amusement.
It was as if Kasai was struggling to suppress a laugh, a playful spark dancing in his gaze at the sight of Hikaru's startled expression.
"My bad, I kinda forgot to make my presence known again," Alexei replied with a nervous laugh, rubbing at the back of his neck.
"Well, either way, she should be able to help with your hair. Aside from that, I wanted to let you know that I'm also an Elementalist. I know that it was probably a bit surprising waking up in a facility after an announcement like that," The ginger started.
"A bit? More like hella. I was about ready to throw hands thinking that you were one of those SOEP fuckers," Kasai mumbled in annoyance, his previous laughter being replaced by seriousness.
"Anyway! I'm an Aerokinesis user. It might not be as flashy as Aquakinesis or Pyrokinesis, but you won't have to worry about me turning you in. My sister isn't an Elementalist, but she has an ability too. I've been trying to keep her away from those bastards, because I know that she would immediately be captured, and probably experimented on by scientists." Alexei continued, cutting Kasai's irritated grumbling off.
Hikaru sucked in a sharp breath.
He hadn't even considered that possibility when he heard about Alena being a healer.
It honestly sounded terrifying, and by the overwhelmingly protective look in Alexei's eyes, he felt as though the twins could maybe be trusted.
"That's nice and all, but how do we know that you're actually telling the truth? For all we know, you could've been put on the job," Kasai cut in, his gaze suspicious.
Way to be cynical, man.
Hikaru thought to himself, letting out a soft sigh.
Alexei frowned softly, but understanding filled his electrically violet eyes as he replied.
"It's understandable that you'd be suspicious. I probably would be too if I woke up strapped to a bed."
"Glad we're on the same page," Kasai retorted, folding his arms across his chest, "So, with that said, how are you gonna prove yourself?"
When Kasai crossed his arms, Hikaru was acutely aware that Kasai had more muscle definition than he had realized before, so he made a mental note not to piss him off too much.
"Here," Alexei whispered gently, his fingers weaving through the air with a graceful fluidity.
Suddenly, a powerful gust of wind erupted, spiraling into a tornado-like formation that sent papers swirling chaotically around the room.
Hikaru, feeling the force of the tempest, gripped the arms of his wheelchair as it slid backward, the strength of the whirlwind momentarily overwhelming him.
"Holy shit, you weren't kidding!" Hikaru exclaimed in wonder as he looked around, laughing softly as the wind whipped through his hair and tousled it up.
"Believe me now?" With a mischievous grin spreading across his face, Alexei stepped up onto a nearby chair, his foot resting confidently on the edge.
In an instant, he snapped his fingers, and with a seamless flicker, the wind stilled, the lingering gusts now a memory.
"…I suppose it's acceptable," Kasai muttered quietly as he eyed the ginger man, seeming to be feigning disinterest in his ability.
"That means he believes you, in Kasai language!" Hikaru piped in with a thumbs up, before clapping his hands together in applause.
"That's great! All powers aside though, do you wanna work on your hair? I bet we'll have time! Alena is pretty good at a lot of stuff,"
Alexei exclaimed, draping his arm around Hikaru's shoulder in a friendly manner.
Kasai let out a grunt and turned away, proceeding to ignore both of them.
Some things just never change, do they?