Solace

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Solace

The day had been unrelenting, its weight pressing upon the weary shoulders of Tyson and Kai, two friends who had weathered life's storms together. Now, as the sun set and darkness enveloped the world outside, they sought solace in the sanctuary of Tyson's home.

Kai, at the helm of his family's business empire, had been consumed by the demands of his position. His days were filled with high-stakes decisions and ceaseless responsibilities, leaving him exhausted and irritable. Despite his remarkable success and status as the youngest and most accomplished CEO in all of Japan, Kai longed for moments of respite and connection amidst the chaotic rhythm of his life.

Meanwhile, Tyson, though a year younger than Kai at 18, understood the weight of Kai's burdens. While Kai had taken over the family business and purchased a grand mansion in the city, Tyson remained rooted in simplicity. He had always been the heart of their group, offering unwavering support and loyalty to his friends. Now, as he watched Kai enter his house, a sense of concern etched on his face, Tyson knew that his friend needed him more than ever.

Grandpa Granger, ever the wise and nurturing presence, had noticed the weariness in Kai's eyes during the last video call, and extended a warm invitation for him to join them for dinner. Kai appreciated the gesture, the familiarity of family offering a respite from the corporate world that engulfed him. However, his work once again held him captive, delaying his arrival until well past midnight.

When he stepped through the unlocked dojo, he saw that the lights were dim, but not switched off. He removed the stiff, formal shoes from his aching legs and made his way to the living room, from where he had heard the sounds of the TV running in a low volume.

Tyson looked up from his place on the couch when Kai entered, and their eyes made contact. Somehow, the fact that Tyson had waited up for him made something akin to the warm fire of a hearth spark in his chest. Tyson smiled at him, and without any of his other usual gestures of affection, he asked Kai to go take a shower while he made dinner for him. Seeing the question in Kai's eyes when Tyson said that he was going to 'Make dinner', Tyson explained that both him and Gramps wanted Kai to eat freshly cooked, hot food, so they had only made dinner for themselves when they realised that Kai was gonna be arriving late. 

The hearth in his heart grew in warmth as accepted Tyson's offer with a grateful nod, disappearing into the bathroom for a revitalizing shower. The warm water cascaded over his tired body, washing away the stress and tension that had accumulated throughout the day. As he emerged from the bathroom, his damp hair clinging to his forehead, he felt a glimmer of rejuvenation.

Kai's suit, meticulously tailored to perfection, was a reflection of his professional stature and success. It was a dark, charcoal gray ensemble, crafted from the finest fabric, exuding an air of sophistication and elegance. The jacket hugged his broad shoulders, accentuating his lean physique, while the trousers fell crisply, perfectly tailored to his legs. The suit exuded an aura of authority, with its clean lines and polished finish, symbolizing Kai's position as the young and accomplished CEO of the family business.

In contrast, his casual attire spoke volumes about his desire for comfort and familiarity. Adorning himself in clothing borrowed from Tyson's wardrobe, Kai shed the formal facade and slipped into a pair of comfortable sweatpants and a snug vest. The sweatpants, well-worn and slightly loose, provided him with the freedom to relax and unwind. The vest, a touch too snug for his frame, served as a reminder of the shared bond and trust between friends.

With his hair freshly showered and tousled, Kai's usual slicked-back style gave way to a more natural, carefree look. The strands fell with a hint of disarray, accentuating his handsome features and lending an air of approachability. It was a rare sight to witness Kai in such a relaxed state, free from the burdens of his professional life, and allowing himself the luxury of embracing the comfort of friendship.