Kairos clenched his worn Literature textbook, a hint of a grin playing on his lips as Lena walked beside him. "Duo's treat after class? Professor Elara's dissecting 'The Wanderer's Lament' today 🔥." Lena's eyes sparkled, adjusting her bag. "Deal. But you owe me notes, Kairo."
As they entered the lecture hall, Zhen strode in, his gaze slicing through Kairos before locking onto Lena. "Lena, post-class chat?" His voice was smooth, but his eyes narrowed on Kairos. Lena's smile remained polite. "Sorry, Zhen. Kairos and I have plans."
Zhen's jaw clenched, a flash of irritation crossing his face before he turned away. Kairos tuned it out, lost in Professor Elara's words... till the bell rang. As they left, Zhen's voice cut through the crowd, low and venomous. "Useless Kairos. Like he'd ever amount to—" Lena shot him a sharp look. "Leave him be, Zhen."
Kairos shrugged it off, smiling at Lena. "Duo's treat, remember?" Lena laughed, and they slipped into the evening sun. Zhen watched them go, his eyes burning...
Kairos burst into his small apartment, greeted by the aroma of cooking and his little brother, Leo, doing homework on the couch. His mother, Mei, stirred a pot, worry etched on her face. His father, Jian, sat beside Leo, his disabled hand cr cradled in his lap.
"Kairos, you're home," Mei said, a hint of surprise. "Eat something before you go out?"
Kairos kissed her cheek. "Can't, Ma. Promised Lena a dinner at Best Burger Stands. Gonna whip up something special."
Jian's eyes lit up. "Tell Lena we say hi. And, kiddo, don't forget—"
"I won't, Dad," Kairos said, grabbing ingredients from the fridge. "Leo, behave, okay?"
Leo looked up, eyes wide. "Can I draw with Dad?"
Kairos ruffled his hair. "Sure thing. I'll bring back treats."
Mei handed him a wrapped sandwich. "Be safe. And, Kairos..."
He knew that look. "I'll take care, Ma."
With a quick nod, Kairos dashed out, the door closing behind him. The scent of sizzling burgers and Lena's laughter awaited.