Hideaway

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes descriptions of sexual violence, rape, mental illness, child abuse and child sexual abuse, suicidal ideation, self-harm, animal cruelty, addiction, sexual content, cursing, death, physical abuse, and emotional abuse, as well as references to incest.

Kai is the story’s protagonist. He is first seen watching Rika in the rain, his identity hidden behind the same skull mask that he has always worn on Devil’s Night. The scene sets the tone for the story and for Kai’s mysterious, dark personality. He has a troubled past, having been arrested and sent to jail for assaulting a police officer who was also a child abuser. The incident brought shame to him and his family, and he is plagued with guilt because of this sense of dishonor. Kai’s Japanese heritage is important to him, and he spends Sunday mornings at the dojo with his father, who worked hard to build the family’s wealth. 

Kai’s need for control is a defining trait, and with both Rika and Banks at different points in the novel, he enjoys watching them in vulnerable moments and thrives on the power he holds over them. 

Six years ago, Kai unwittingly admitted to Banks that he likes lying and keeping secrets because he that prefers people never get to know his authentic self.