things.”
There’s a beat of silence.
Then Ajax scoffs quietly from somewhere next to me.
Both Kai and I turn to look at him.
“I’m sorry,” Kai says gently, but pointedly. “Is there something you wish to say?”
Ajax shifts beside me. “You seriously think you’re better than everyone, don’t you? You aren’t that great. You aren’t even that smart.”
For a second, Kai just looks at him—head tilted slightly, like he’s genuinely considering the question. Then, with the smallest nod, he replies, “Better than everyone? Of course not. Just better than the ones who keep asking me that question. But please,” he adds pleasantly, “don’t mistake your discomfort for my arrogance.”
Ajax’s face freezes.
Kai smiles.
“Kai,” I say carefully, looking between them nervously, “that was really—”
He cuts me off without looking. “—truthful?”
He glances at the expensive looking watch on his wrist, a casual gesture, and yet it only makes Ajax bristle more.
Kai finally looks back at me, gaze softening once again. “Adeline,” he says smoothly, “you really ought to be more selective about the company you keep.”
He peels himself from the locker in one fluid motion, stepping forward gracefully. Then, he leans in—just slightly—a ghost of a smile tugging at his mouth.
“Mediocrity is awfully contagious,” he whispers near my ear, yet just loud enough for Ajax to hear every single syllable.
I barely register the flash of movement beside me.
Ajax grabs him by the collar and shoves him back against the lockers.
The metal clangs sharply behind Kai, echoing down the corridor.
I suck in a breath. “Ajax—!”
Kai smiles a wide and almost lazy smile. His hands don’t rise. He doesn’t even blink. A lock of hair falls neatly out of place as he licks his lips and gives Ajax a crooked, maddening grin.
“Say that again,” Ajax hisses, voice tight with fury. “Say it again and Iswear—”
“You’ll do what?” Kai interrupts, calmly, elegantly. “Enlighten me.”
He bites the inside of his cheek, almost amused, and just stares.
And somehow… that is what makes Ajax hesitate. That’s what tinges his cheeks slightly pink. Kai doesn’t even need to lift a finger.
The fingers at his collar tighten… then loosen. Ajax releases him and steps back, shoulders stiff.
Kai straightens his coat and smooths a wrinkle before turning to face Ajax fully. “Don’t do that again,” he says, and his tone is almost polite, if not slightly patronising. “I don’t respond well to threats. They’re so…”
His lips curve.
“Inelegant. They tell me you’ve already run out of wit.”
Another moment of silence passes, and Ajax gets visibly more frustrated.
“You really should work on your composure, Ajax,” Kai says finally, “It’s leaking all over the expensive floor.”
