𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐄 𝐍' 𝐈𝐂𝐄 ; kai hiwatari

──thirteen;

"Do you even know where the hell you're heading to?" I blurted, snapping Kai's shoulder as we wandered through the sprawling, unfamiliar building.

"Jeez. You wanna get caught or what?" I asked again, my words laced with frustration. He clenched his jaw, clearly irritated. But instead of snapping back, he surprised me by grabbing my hand and yanking me down to the ground. I landed between his legs, and he sat down beside me.

"Shut that pretty mouth of yours, will you?" he murmured against my left ear. His warm breath sent shivers down my spine, a sensation I couldn't quite understand or ignore.

Pretty mouth? What did he mean by that?

I nodded silently as he hushed me, indicating that guards were nearby. I noticed a flashlight getting closer, and Kai's grip on my hand tightened.

After a few minutes of nerve-wracking silence, Kai finally released my hand and stood up. He extended his hand to help me up, surprising me once again with his gesture. I raised my eyebrows, taken aback by the sudden change in his demeanor.

As we continued our stealthy exploration of the building, the security measures became increasingly challenging to navigate. The tension in the air was palpable, and the stakes were getting higher with every step.

Kai scanned the area, desperately searching for a way out. "Don't rush; you need to stay calm," I advised, trying to keep my own frustration at bay. He shot me a piercing look, his eyes filled with determination and impatience.

"It's almost lunchtime for the workers. They'll go, and maybe the security will be much lighter," I suggested, hoping to ease the situation. Kai exhaled, acknowledging the wisdom in waiting for the right moment. "Just give it 15 minutes," I added.

Kai nodded begrudgingly. "Am I going to stand here like this and get caught?" he grumbled.

"Who said we're going to stand?" I grinned cheekily. "Come here." I took his hand and led him to a nearby basement area.

"No complaints, just sit quietly, okay?" I smiled, playfully chastising him. He rolled his eyes and leaned back against the wall, mirroring my posture.

Out of the corner of my eye, I could feel Kai's gaze on my face. The intensity of his scrutiny sent a rush of mixed emotions through me. I couldn't help but sit up straight and meet his gaze directly.

"Yo, dude, what's with that cut on your hand?" I narrowed my eyes, examining a wound on his upper arm.

"That's nothing," he replied, attempting to conceal it.

"Show me. Come on," I demanded, not willing to take no for an answer. When he hesitated, I rolled my eyes and pulled his arm closer.

"What—?" He was cut off as I retrieved a bandage from my pocket and began to apply it to his arm.

"Bandages in your pocket? Seriously?" he asked, somewhat miffed.

"Stop complaining and say thanks, or do you want me to rip it back off?" I threatened.

"What if I... don't?" he taunted.

"I'll rip it," I stated firmly, my fingers hovering over the bandage.

"Rip it."

I was ready to carry out my threat when he placed his other hand over mine, which held the bandage, and stared at me. I couldn't decipher if it was rage or something else entirely that flickered in his gaze.

He leaned in quickly, resting his head on my shoulder. The warmth of his breath against my arm sent a jolt of unexpected sensation through me, and I tried to hide my surprise as my heart raced.

"What are you—?" I started, but he shushed me by pressing his lips against my shoulder. His hot breath, so close, made my own breaths shaky, and I struggled to maintain my composure.

This isn't supposed to affect me like this, I thought, trying to steady my racing heart.

"Thanks," he muttered quietly as he rubbed his forehead against my shoulder before pulling away and looking out of a small window. I couldn't help but blush at the unexpected gesture.

Oh Lord, why is this happening?

I pressed my lips together into a thin line, looking out the window myself. From the corner of my eye, I noticed Kai's ears turning red, and I realized that the situation had taken an unexpected turn into awkward territory.

"Should we go?" he asked, his voice notably softer than usual.

"Uh, okay," I replied, my own voice reflecting my awkwardness.

We resumed our escape from the basement, encountering only three guards nearby. It seemed we couldn't exit through their route, but perhaps we could find another way out.

"Oi, listen here," I said, catching Kai's attention. He didn't respond, so I pulled his head down slightly so he would bend closer.

"Ow, you little brat—!" he began, but I hushed him.

"Shut up and listen. Go kick that stack of boxes over there. If the guards have any sense, they'll go investigate. Then I'll kick the stack on this side, and we'll both run, got it?"

Kai stared at me in disbelief. "No way I'll work according to your plan—oww!" He was cut off when I tugged on his ear.

"Just do it, bastard. You won't regret it," I challenged.

Together, we left the basement, encountering only three guards in our path. It seemed we couldn't exit through their route, but perhaps we could find another way out.

"Good job, dumbass!" I winked, running alongside him as we made our escape.

"Tsk."

This part of the story was truly an unexpected twist, with moments of tension, awkwardness, and even a hint of unexpected intimacy.

"Where are they?" I asked, scanning the area anxiously, while Kai stood beside me, leaning against the wall.

"Oh, there they are! Come on!" I yelled, grabbing Kai's hand and dragging him with me.

"Aanya! Kai!" Max cheered as we approached.

"I thought you were still stuck there," Ray said, throwing his arm around my shoulder and shooting a sly wink at Kai, who clenched his jaw in response.

I unknowingly let go of Kai's hand, and his cold aura seemed to return instantly.

"It was such a tiring day! Let's go eat something!" Tyson suggested enthusiastically, and we all headed to the cafeteria for dinner.