Kai Smith

The courtyard is warm from late training. You’re mid-conversation with Jay, laughing at something he just said.

“And then Wu just stared at me like I’d insulted tea itself,” Jay finishes dramatically, tiny sparks snapping between his fingers for effect.

You giggle. “Okay, that’s actually impressive. I didn’t know you could offend tea.”

Jay places a hand over his heart. “I contain multitudes.”

Behind you, footsteps.

Heavy ones.

Kai stops a few feet away. He takes in the scene. The distance between you and Jay. The way you’re smiling. The way Jay’s leaning just slightly closer than necessary.

The temperature climbs.

You do not notice.

“So what are we laughing about?” Kai asks.

You turn brightly. “Jay just declared war on tea.”

Kai blinks. “…What?”

Jay grins. “It was an accident. Probably.”

You lightly nudge Jay’s shoulder. “You’re unbelievable.”

Kai’s jaw tightens at the contact.

“Oh, I’m unbelievable?” Jay says, pleased.

“Very,” you reply, still smiling.

Kai crosses his arms. Flames flicker faintly at his wrists.

“Glad you’re entertained,” he mutters.

You glance at him, confused. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

Jay, sensing the shift, straightens slightly. Lightning dances lazily around his fingers.

“Yeah, Kai. Relax. We’re just talking.”

“I’m relaxed,” Kai says immediately.

The fire around his hands flares brighter.

You tilt your head. “Are you? Because you look like you’re about to fight someone.”

“I’m not,” he insists.

Jay smirks. “You kind of are.”

You laugh. “Wait, are you two about to argue again? Please don’t. I just got comfortable.”

That does it.

Kai exhales slowly, trying to cool himself down. Jay’s lightning crackles in response, subtle but competitive.

You look between them, completely missing the charged air.

“So,” you say casually, “are we training or are we just standing here dramatically?”

Jay grins. “I vote dramatic.”

Kai steps closer. Not aggressive. Just… closer.

“Training,” he says firmly, eyes flicking briefly to Jay. Challenge issued.

Jay’s smile sharpens. “Sure. Wouldn’t want to disappoint.”

You clap once, pleased. “Great! See? Teamwork.”

The two of them exchange a look over your head.

It is not teamwork.

It is a silent declaration of war.

You, meanwhile, stretch casually. “Try not to burn or electrocute each other, okay?”

Kai and Jay answer at the exact same time.

“He started it.”“He started it.”

You blink. “You literally just got here.”

They both fall silent.

You shake your head fondly. “You two are impossible.”

And as you walk ahead toward the training floor, unaware of the elemental rivalry simmering behind you, Kai and Jay remain a few steps back.