Hajime turned and looked at Kaito in surprise.
Over the last few weeks, he had come to respect and idolise his older cousin. In the beginning, when he heard about Kaito's return, he was angry at the change. He also made assumptions like the rest about him and hated him without cause.
He did not like Kaito because he thought that he lacked ability. The only reason he returned was probably to get a share of the Takahashi pie and live a carefree life without working. Such people disgusted Hajime.
Therefore, he did not even want to meet the man despite his grandfather's insistence.
In his mind, Kaito's image was of a useless person who would affect his long-term plans to get revenge for his father's death. A little part of him was also afraid that he would join forces with his uncle and make life difficult for him.