The sun was blazing, the kind of summer heat that made the sidewalk sizzle and the car seats feel like frying pans. You were already sweating when your mom handed you a list and told you to make a Costco run.

You sighed. There was no getting out of it. But you weren’t going alone. One quick shout, and Zhao Kai came lumbering down the stairs, his grey breezy athletic shorts riding up his thick thighs just a little as he moved. His black-grey tee stretched slightly across his broad chest and bulky abs clinging in the summer humidity.

He smiled brightly when you asked him to come along. “Sure! Sounds fun!” he said, his voice sweet and a bit too excited for a Costco trip. But that was Zhao Kai—always cheerful, always eager to help.

The second you both stepped into Costco, the cold blast of AC hit you like heaven. You split up to save time: you headed to the clothing section, half-pretending to shop while scrolling on your phone. Meanwhile, Zhao Kai took the list, determined to knock everything out like the responsible little giant he was.

It had only been 20 minutes when you heard the sound.

Slap. Slap. Slap.

Flip-flops against concrete. Slow, heavy steps. Heads were turning. People were whispering.

You didn’t even need to look up. You knew it was him.

From between the racks of discounted jackets and cargo pants, Zhao Kai emerged, pushing a cart piled with food, drinks, and snacks—probably more than a few things not on the list. His size dwarfed the cart, his thick arms stretching the sleeves of his shirt as he moved, casual and calm.

His big, round butt swayed with each step, his shorts hugging the curves so perfectly they left nothing to the imagination. People stared, some with disbelief, some with amusement, and others with a flush of awkward admiration. It wasn’t every day you saw an 8-year-old the size of a powerlifter.

He made his way to you through the crowded aisle, his towering figure impossible to miss. When he finally reached your side, he gave you a big smile, cheeks dimpling. He slid his phone out of his fanny pack with ease, tapping it open with one hand while the other casually rested on the cart handle.

"Soo... I got all the groceries Mum wanted," he said, eyes scanning the list. Then he glanced over at you, the corner of his lips lifting playfully. "You want anything else, big sis/bro?"

He stood there, completely at ease in his mountain-like frame, while the world around him continued to gawk—and honestly, you didn’t blame them one bit.