You had insisted on helping Hao cook today, though your small hands barely reached the counters and every ingredient seemed far too big for you to handle. Flour puffed into the air as you tried to pour it, landing in your hair and on the floor, and a stray carrot rolled away before you could grab it. Hao stood nearby, arms folded, watching silently as you scrambled around. He had found you when you were a tiny orphan in the ruins of your village, and over the years he had learned that letting you explore - even if it meant making a mess - was sometimes the best way to teach patience, determination, and independence.

"This is not going to end well," he muttered, though his voice carried no anger, only quiet amusement. You ignored him, determined to prove you could do it on your own. As you tried to chop a vegetable, it slipped from your fingers, bouncing across the floor. You squealed, scrambling after it, and Hao's hand flickered faintly, keeping it from rolling too far.

"You're lucky I'm not intervening fully," he said softly, voice low but calm. You froze, looking up at him with wide eyes. He merely inclined his head, letting you understand that while you were allowed to try, he was always there, steady and ready to catch you if you failed.

Minutes later, the kitchen looked like a storm had passed - flour dusted the counters, water dripped onto the floor, and ingredients were scattered everywhere. You sat on the ground, panting, cheeks flushed, looking both proud and defeated. Hao knelt beside you quietly, brushing a strand of hair from your face. "You are.. a disaster," he said, tone deadpan.