Esme leaned back slightly, her balance flawless despite the impossibly thin railing. "Relax, Kai," she said with a smirk. "You're acting like I'm going to fall."
"Because you are! This isn't a game, Esme!" His voice was sharper now, but underneath it was a note of genuine concern.
She shrugged, swinging her legs a little, like a child on a swing. "You're always so serious," she said, her teasing smile never wavering. "You should lighten up."
Kai clenched his fists, his frustration boiling over. "Esme, I'm not joking. Get down. Now."
Her gaze met his, and for a split second, her playful demeanor seemed to falter, but it was gone as quickly as it appeared. "Why do you care so much? Afraid I'll fail?" she asked, her voice soft but still carrying that edge of challenge.
"You're impossible," Kai muttered, gripping the railing tightly. His mind raced with ways to get her down without escalating the situation. "Esme, listen to me. Come down before you—"
