The shorty, Karsen, snapped.
His face turned red with anger as he stepped forward, hand curling into a fist.
"You vulgar little—!"
But before he could even lift his hand, the taller one grabbed his shoulder, pulling him back with a quiet chuckle.
"Well, well... first you don't show respect, and now that mouth?" he said smoothly, his eyes raking over Lina, from head to toe.
"I think you might need a private lesson," he added, bitting his lower lips.
Lina's face didn't flinch, but her posture subtly shifted—legs slightly spaced, center lowered.
The tall noble boy stepped closer, smirking. "Why're you hiding your face? Scared? Or maybe you're not used to men looking your way?"
He reached out, fingers almost brushing the edge of her hood—
But before he could touch her, Kai moved.
Fast.
He grabbed the boy's wrist mid-air.
The sudden silence that followed was deafening.
The crowd held their breath.
"Back off," Kai said coldly, his tone low, like frost edging along steel.
