It was another quiet afternoon at the academy, with students gathered in small groups, going over their lessons. Kai and Seraphina were sharing a moment, laughing over a shared joke, when a shadow loomed over them. Xavier, the new student and the academy's mystery figure, had approached, his gaze focused solely on Seraphina.
"Seraphina, would you mind if I spoke with you alone?" he asked, his tone smooth but with a hint of possessiveness.
Seraphina, surprised, gave a polite smile. "I'm with Kai right now, Xavier. Whatever you want to say, you can say it here."
Xavier's expression hardened slightly, but he placed a hand on her shoulder, attempting to keep her attention. Before he could speak another word, Kai's patience snapped. He saw the unwanted contact, his possessive instincts taking over, and in a flash, he landed a solid punch square on Xavier's jaw, sending him stumbling back.
"Get your hands off her," Kai growled, his eyes blazing with fury. "She's not someone you can just walk up and lay your hands on."
Xavier straightened, wiping the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand. A dangerous smirk spread across his face, almost as if he had been waiting for this reaction. "Is that so, Kai? Are you so insecure in your relationship that a mere touch threatens you?"
Before Kai could respond, the principal stormed into the scene, his expression furious as he assessed the situation.
"Kai!" the principal bellowed. "I expected better behavior from you. You do not attack fellow students—especially without cause!"
Kai clenched his fists, ready to defend himself, but before he could speak, another voice rang out.
"I was here the whole time, Principal," said the main character, stepping forward, his gaze calm yet fierce. "Kai acted only to protect Seraphina. Xavier was being intrusive and disrespectful."
The principal frowned, turning his gaze to the main character. "Are you saying this was provoked?"
The main character nodded, his expression unwavering. "Yes. Kai was justified. He may have been forceful, but Xavier crossed a line."
The principal sighed, looking between the students. "Be that as it may, violence is not tolerated here. Kai, you'll have to answer for this, but Xavier," he added, his tone warning, "this academy doesn't take lightly to disrespect or harassment."
Xavier gave a nonchalant shrug, still smirking. "I'll keep that in mind," he said, though his eyes flickered back to Kai, filled with the promise of a future confrontation.
After the principal left, Xavier stepped closer to Kai, his tone low and mocking. "This isn't over, Kai. Next time, let's see if you're ready to back up your words with real strength."
Kai met his gaze, undeterred. "Bring it on. But remember, Seraphina's not someone you can manipulate. She chose me."
As Xavier walked away, the main character placed a reassuring hand on Kai's shoulder. "Don't let him get to you. He's just looking for ways to undermine you."
Kai gave a small nod, his anger simmering down. "Thanks for standing up for me. I won't let him get between me and Seraphina."
As the three stood there, the air filled with tension and unspoken resolve. Kai knew this clash with Xavier was far from over, but with Seraphina and his friend by his side, he was prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead.