Rei Sakuma/Kaoru Hakaze

**Rei Sakuma/Kaoru Hakaze**is a relationship between Rei Sakuma and Kaoru Hakaze from UNDEAD.

## Relationship and notable canon moments

Rei and Kaoru both share a firm, strong bond with each other as the two are known as the "Two Main Attractions" from their unit UNDEAD. Throughout Rei's entire life, he has always been on a search for a partner that could stay next to him forever to cure his loneliness and never betray him. In his most hardest times, Kaoru is what made Rei "human", even going as far as acknowledging Kaoru as his equal. Same goes for Kaoru, Rei went up and showered Kaoru with love when the boy needed it the most. Even though Kaoru may act cold on the outside sometimes, he truly cares about Rei deep down; they both look after each other through a distance and express their love in their very own way.

The two are quite indirect with each other when it comes to feelings, conveying their affections silently. A love language so reconcilable and harmonious. Their dynamic is very soft, similar to that of two high school girls that are best friends.

Rei believed that Kaoru is a radiance he'll never be able to reach for a monster like him, whereas Kaoru too thought Rei is an ideal that a normal human such as himself can never stand next to. Just like what their zodiac says, they're Scorpios. They may sting, but regardless, they still pull into each other undeniably with a passion so loyal and so magnetic. The two, often instead, speak their fondness about each other when one is not present. However, they do show their love for one another frequently through small gestures, such as Rei tucking in Kaoru to his coffin once to let him sleep and rest, or how Kaoru always carries Rei on his back and runs errands for him.

As the school year goes by, we see that Rei and Kaoru gradually start opening up to each other more and more. The slight doubt they had for themselves slowly starts to disappear, becoming closer and growing more relaxed. Rei and Kaoru, step by step, begin to understand and show their feelings directly as companions.

Rei and Kaoru's relationship started way back before they were even in their third years. Their first bits of interactions were first revealed in the story *Crossroad* where Rei took the initiative to start a conversation with Kaoru at the underground live house during their second years. Deep down, Rei had always laid an eye on Kaoru even before they met.

> "No need to be all polite around me~ We’re buddies from the same school, after all." —Rei(Crossroad/ Chaos 8)
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> "We’ve seen each other ‘round school a few times, you know. I won’t let you say you don’t remember~" —Rei(Crossroad/ Chaos 8)
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Even though Rei could practically let anyone fall for him and make them follow his footsteps, Rei, no matter what, just couldn't grasp Kaoru.

> "I’ll be cheering you on from the sidelines like any ordinary guy should." —Kaoru(Crossroad/ Chaos 8)
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> "Ahaha. If we could all become Rei Sakuma just by working hard, then all of us would push ourselves to the bone." — Kaoru(Crossroad/ Chaos 8)
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Their small friendship slowly started to build during their time hanging out in the live house as we see that Rei came back from overseas and specifically bought macadamia nut chocolates only for Kaoru as souvenirs. To this, Kaoru replied to Rei not to act too close with him as if they’re friends yet still accepted the present and started a friendly conversation with Rei.
Rei was the one who invited Kaoru to join UNDEAD. He truly accepts Kaoru as an individual and believes that Kaoru can take care of the unit during the time that he’s gone.

> "You're laughin' like an outsider. How about you join up with us, Hakaze-kun?
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> I mean, you're free, right? Two first years all on their own ain't gonna cut it. They're gonna need a guardian.
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> I'm not always gonna be able to look after 'em."
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> — Rei(Resurrection Sunday/Reincarnation 4)
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In *Resurrection Sunday*, the very first person Rei tried to reach out to for help was Kaoru. Rei even stated that he wanted to choose Kaoru as the next candidate for the sacrifice simply because he's Kaoru. Even though it was only the start of the third school year, Rei already took Kaoru as a dear, trusted unit-mate and friend and so did Kaoru. He still got worried for Rei when he wasn't acting like his normal self that day.

> "Hellooo.... ? Don't ignore me. Not that I care if a guy ignores me or anything, but you're so unnecessarily beautiful that it's scary when you're quiet." —Kaoru(Resurrection Sunday/Prologue)
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During *Billiards*, when Madara told Kaoru if he had a friend to invite over, the first person Kaoru thought in his mind was Rei.

Rei and Kaoru often relied on each other throughout the entire school year. In the scout *Surfing Ocean*, Rei cried for help when a swarm of bats surrounded him, causing Kaoru to hold onto his hands and walk Rei out of the cave.

Just like how their gacha cards implied, Kaoru is the Wave-Riding Surfer, always unpredictable drifting along with the currents, and Rei is the Wind-Reading Surfer, always trying to chase that wind of Kaoru's.

Rei always wanted the best of Kaoru. He was the only one who saw that Kaoru had been bickering with his family problems. Rei cares for Kaoru so much that he even went as far as setting up a fake scandal for Kaoru in *Romantic Comedy*. With graduation coming close, Rei wants Kaoru to face his future pathways more seriously: to choose between becoming an idol or a frivolous boy in act.

Rei knew Kaoru would have to face this decision sooner or later if things kept going on like this. He wanted Kaoru to grow stronger and become a mature idol through this incident.

Rei, himself, believed that he would likely quit being an idol and become the next head of the Sakuma family. That is why he wanted Kaoru to be able to confront and overcome his own problems even when he’s not there with Kaoru anymore later on.

> "A flawless, amicable relationship with someone who more than compensates for what the other lacks... I, too... wanted to have such a relationship with Kaoru-kun.
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> It's complicated. The Five Eccentrics were the first who could stand as my equal. Now each of us has chosen our own path to walk.
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> It's not clear to me how I'm supposed to connect to someone like him.
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> To me, Kaoru-kun is someone I can't reach no matter how hard I try... like a feather in the wind, much as his name suggests. A fragrance.
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> But I'm the one who asked him to join UNDEAD. I drew him in.
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> Associating with me has only brought him misfortune. If he never glances back at me again after this event, I won't grieve.
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> At that moment I would truly be nothing more than a monster with no worth roaming for a lifetime, after all.
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> Demons we may be, I still wish to be an entity that can set trials before the hero and grant treasure and blessings to those who overcome crisis.
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> One can only hope this incident will become "as such" for him.
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> Though he may spare me the trouble by just coming to resent me, my expectations remain high as I wait like a child waits for presents.
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> …Now. What sort of answer will you give?" —Rei(Romantic Comedy/ Dilemma of Love 10)
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To Rei, Kaoru's a fragrance, a wind he'll never be able to touch no matter how hard he tries even if he wants to, contrasting to what Kaoru said about Rei in their second years during *Resurrection Sunday*:

> "Ahahah. He vanishes just as soon as he came, like a whirlwind." —Kaoru(Resurrection Sunday/Reincarnation 4)
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Rei was the one who made Kaoru change. They are each other's brilliance. They support, lean, and laugh together through any type of situation.

> "Sorry for rarely showing up. I had to pull Sakuma-san's coffin again... and it takes a long time to move this thing, okay?" —Kaoru(Romantic Comedy/To Every Good Kid 3)
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> "Sakuma-san threw himself on me and begged and cried until I pulled grandpa here all the way to Student Council Room." —Kaoru(Romantic Comedy/To Every Good Kid 4)
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It was Rei who forced Kaoru to become one of the Two Main Attractions. To be worthy enough to stand next to Sakuma Rei, Kaoru had to work hard. Rei was the reason why Kaoru changed. Thus, Kaoru didn't like the idea of Rei quitting his dreams. If Rei disappears, all his efforts would become worthless.

> "I'm a huge fan of yours after all, Kaoru-kun.
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> No matter when, no matter where; I want you to remain full of that human-like brilliance, to always be showering your surroundings in a love that a beast could never hold." —Rei(Romantic Comedy/Epilogue 3)
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> "I swear I will before we graduate. Until then I'll give you a shock that'll stop your heart, so you better watch yourself~. ♪" —Kaoru(Romantic Comedy/Epilogue 3)
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> "Good evening, dearest members of the Hakaze household. Allow me to thank you for looking after our Kaoru-kun… ♪" —Rei(Romantic Comedy/Epilogue 4)
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At the ending of *Romantic Comedy*, Kaoru promised Rei to give him his present before graduation. A very special gift for Rei that Kaoru warned Rei to not perish before then.

> "Figure it out yourself. You're pretty smart, right, Sakuma-san?
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> Well, it'll be something worth waiting for. It'll take time to reach a conclusion and I might not make it in time for today, but...
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> I'll have an answer to the problem you posed real soon.
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> I swear I will before we graduate. Until then I'll give you a shock that'll stop your heart, so you better watch yourself~. ♪"(Romantic Comedy/ Epilogue 3)
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When *Repayment Festival* arrived, Rei and Kaoru decided they would work as a duo together after graduation. Rei, for the first time, called Kaoru his partner to which Kaoru was very touched to be acknowledged as his equal now.

> "I'm suffering from heartbreak right now because Anzu-chan rejected me so promptly too, how mean! Comfort me! Give me love!" —Kaoru
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> "I will gladly listen to your complaints, partner ♪" —Rei
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> ""Partner"... Ooh, so you've finally acknowledged us as equals?
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> You've always treated me like a child. Always acting so high and mighty even though we're in the same year, you know?
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> From here on out... seniority pretty much doesn't matter — it'll be a world where ability matters the most.
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> I won't be looking after you. Brace yourself so you won't break... old man ♪" —Kaoru
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> "Mm, I shall do my best. But ahh, I feel so very exhilarated, Kaoru-kun. Hereafter lies a new world that even I still can't understand. It has been a while since my blood has been boiling... ♪" —Rei
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> (Repayment Festival/Epilogue 1)
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In *Climax*, it was revealed that Kaoru was the one who asked Rei to continue their idol career together. This ties back to Romantic Comedy, where Kaoru finally gave Rei his answer. Kaoru’s invitation was accepted by Rei.

Rei, from the very beginning, when he pulled Kaoru into the light, knew that he would be abandoned at the very last moment. However, it became the complete opposite; it was Kaoru this time who pulled Rei into the light from the darkness. Rei never knew that a monster like him could be able to live with someone with such strong warmth and sunshine. They are each other's salvations. Unlike others who all worshipped Rei like a god, Kaoru treats Rei like a human-being. Without Rei, there will be no idol Kaoru, and without Kaoru, there will be no idol Rei.

Kaoru also has finally found the person that could adore him with the love and comfort in his life.

> "I want to be loved more than I want to love, so that's why I chose to be an idol." —Kaoru(Resurrection Sunday/Reincarnation 3)
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After graduation in *Operetta*, Kaoru has gone from calling Rei "Sakuma-san" to "Rei-kun." They started to travel year-round together as partners. Their relationship has become much more relaxed and playful as Kaoru would often cooperate with Rei’s jokes, acting more and more like a couple now.
In Ensemble Stars!! Rei and Kaoru's uncertainty for themselves disappeared. Rei wants Kaoru to rely on him more, and Kaoru wants to share the burdens with Rei together. Rei's feelings for Kaoru becomes very straightforward too as he no longer feels the fear to hide it anymore. He showers Kaoru with praises and pampers, always making Kaoru remember that Rei loves him.

> (I don't like asking Rei-kun for favors much since I feel bad, but...
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> It's nice, isn't it. Anytime I'm careless about something unremarkable he's there for me.
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> We help each other when we need it, give-or-take.) —Kaoru(Kaoru's First Idol Story)
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Kaoru even promised Ritsu to leave Rei up to him and that Kaoru will take good care of Rei.

> "But when I put myself in the shoes of a working adult I realized just how much responsibility came with it... and honestly, I can't be under someone else's protection forever.
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> Yep. That's why it feels like, after all this time, I finally understand Rei-kun's hardships... ♪" —Kaoru
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> “But it'll be okay. I plan on sharing all the trouble between us, as one of the two main attractions.
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> I'll take on whatever Rei-kun can't bear. In the past I took a step back and thought it'd be better to let 'Sakuma-san' handle everything, but...
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> It's not good to let Rei-kun shoulder everything on his own." —Kaoru
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> "Anyway, I'll be watching over Rei-kun so don't worry. You won't regret it. ♪" —Kaoru
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> "So please take good care of my Anija... Kaoru-san. ♪" —Ritsu
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> (Kaoru’s Third Idol Story)
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Ritsu once said before that Rei will only become clingy to people he likes, and we see in *Date Plan* that Rei kept crying and latching onto Kaoru, telling Kaoru how lonely he was when Kaoru was gone. They love each other which is why Rei missed Kaoru so much as he wants Kaoru only for himself.
In *Succession Match*, Kaoru was very protective over Rei, keeping his promise to Ritsu. Rei even went all out and stated,"Kaoru-kun is mine~" as he didn't want anybody getting too close to his dear partner.

> "Kaoru-kun is mine so it’d be troubling if someone else gets too chummy with him." —Rei(Succession Match)
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It is very apparent that the two's love for each other is steadily growing deeper and stronger. Sakuma Rei will never be complete without Hakaze Kaoru, and Hakaze Kaoru will never be complete without Sakuma Rei. To meet, to become idols, to be loved; it’s as if they are bound by the red line of fate. Now, no longer hesitant, Rei and Kaoru finally own the confidence to stand side by side, face each other, and tell each other 'I love you.'

The wind that Rei has always been chasing has finally ceased and stayed by his side. The hope that Kaoru has always looked up to has finally casted a gentle smile upon him.

Rei and Kaoru both helped break the chains that restricted each other's freedom. With no more restrictions locked onto them, they can boldly give love and be loved at last. Now, whenever Rei performs on stage and turns around, there always will be a radiance beside him singing and dancing along, not as a passerby anymore but as a partner on stage. They will laugh, love, and sing together for their fans, for themselves, and for each other.

Together towards the same dream, Rei and Kaoru, never hesitant and wary, now have a partner that will always smile and walk with each other, hand-in-hand, forever until the end of time…

## Trivia

* ReiKao once ranked 2nd place in a 2020 Japanese ship ranking poll
* Rei and Kaoru's birthdays are only one day apart: 11/2 and 11/3. Their astrological signs are the same (Scorpios), making them highly compatible.
* The two both share the same Blood Type B
* Their appearances contrast each other which compliments their light and darkness dynamic.
* Rei kabedoned Kaoru one time in their third year, saying it's supposed to be a way to convey someone's feelings and to make people fall in love with them.
* Rei has admitted to Kaoru that he has always been a huge fan of his ever since the past.
* Kaoru always has to carry Rei to places because of Rei's body conditions.
* Rei enjoys going to Kaoru's dorm to play with him at nighttime a lot, which Kaoru says that it always turns into a weird game of excitement/thrill.
* Rei often steals Kaoru's catchphrase which is "honto honto" meaning *really really* ever since they became a duo together.
* Rei enjoys being spoiled by Kaoru.
* Kaoru is in charge of their work schedule, often having to wake Rei up in the morning.
* They go shopping together.