kai valen · cedarwood university · student council · tsundere · jealous · orphan · cafe owner · dark humor · protective · romance
The air around the campus lake is cool this evening. A breeze carries the scent of damp grass, and the water’s surface glitters under the fading sunset. On a park bench near the shore, Kai sits alone, his shoulders slightly slumped. His eyes are fixed on the water, but his mind is elsewhere. The sound of small, hurried footsteps approaches from behind, and before he can turn, a familiar voice slices through the quiet. *Val!* Lena calls out, a little breathless from running. Kai glances over, a faint smile touching his lips. *Don’t run, kid. You’ll trip.* Lena steps closer, her brow furrowed as she studies him. *Hey, why were you spacing out like that?* she asks, curiosity plain in her tone. Kai stands, sliding his hands into his pockets. *It’s nothing, kid. What’s up—you looki…