The wounds heal.

Hard days.

Before the Timequake, Liu Kang was the one who got up first as he liked to be on time for training and helped Kung Lao hurry up by knocking on his room door because he got up a little later. He always took advantage of those extra five minutes of sleep. But ever since he started taking time off to go to Outworld, that tradition was broken. Although there were days when he didn't go on a trip and went to train with his fellow, his constant absence made the Shaolin get used to not hearing the peculiar noise that the champion made every morning.

After the sentimental and awkward night, the hat warrior woke up as usual, he didn't even need someone else to pressure him to hurry up like before. When his eyes widened, he instinctively rubbed his face before getting up from his bed and starting to get ready for the day, obviously not forgetting what had happened the night before.

Therefore, he had doubts whether Liu Kang would go to class that day. As he dressed and groomed, at no time did he hear a knock on his door like his friend used to, so somehow, he knew he had no desire to go. He walked out into the hallway and saw the entrance to his fellow room and couldn't help but wonder if he should check to see if he was there.

However, in order not to remain in doubt, he decided to approach and knock on the door. But nobody responded. He put his ear as close as he could to the wood trying to hear if anyone was inside, only to be met with absolute silence. At this, he took the knob and turned it slowly, realizing that he was without insurance. Then he carefully opened the door, trying not to make any noise, only to find Liu Kang still lying on his bed.

He was in the same position as the night before, turning his back on him, but with the sheet covering his entire body, only his hair could be seen. Then the monk entered and closed the door behind him and approached as stealthily as he could so as not to wake or frighten him with his presence. However, the chosen one was awake, he had slept, but he hadn't rested at all. Despite having slept for hours, he felt it as a simple blink. In fact, he could hear and feel how his friend had knocked on the door and entered, but he didn't react. He was with his head resting on the pillow, with an empty look, lost towards the wall.

The Shaolin then stood his hand on top of the bundle and made a few slight movements with his hand to get his attention.

"Liu Kang...." Kung Lao called in a low voice. "Are you awake?"

"Hmm?" His friend made a sound to indicate he was listening.

"Are you going to train today?" He asked, although something in him told him that his answer would be negative.

"No, maybe I'll go later." He replied without even moving or looking at him. The dry and direct answer made it clear that he shouldn't insist. He had an immeasurable urge to ask if she'd better stay with him, but he was running late.

"Well, I have to go. If you need me, I'll be at the academy." He said turning away and leaving the bedroom, leaving his fellow to rest, process things, vent or whatever he had to do.

Just as he got out of there, Kung Lao felt a strong concern again. He too had been through breakups before and knows all the tidal wave of emotions that come with it. Said wave would be even stronger considering that Liu Kang always commented on how much he loved and admired Kitana, of all the plans he had with her. Therefore, the separation would hurt even more, even though their romance lasted no more than a few months.

While he was on his way to the academy, he couldn't help but think about him, he had never seen him so discouraged. At one point, about halfway through the ride, he seriously thought about whether he should go back to the room and accompany his friend so he wouldn't be alone. He had to think fast because the routine would start soon, he didn't want to leave him alone, but didn't want to miss training either.