The dojo was silent, except for the sound of the quick steps and heavy breathing of both of you. The cold light of the late afternoon came in through the windows, highlighting every drop of sweat that flowed from the tense skin.

Kai moved with grace and ferocity, each blow calculated, each defense precise. You were there, answering with equal intensity, feeling the heat of his body so close that you could almost touch it.

“You’re faster than I imagined,” he said between one attack and another, his voice low, almost a whisper full of challenge.

You smiled, panting, taking a step forward. “I need to be... if I want to beat you.”

Kai laughed, the hoarse and provocative sound. “Win? I don’t think you understand what happens when you’re near me.”

He advanced, and his body stud to his for a moment - the smell, the heat, the electrical voltage. You felt your pulse speed up, your skin shiver.

“Are you feeling it?” he asked, his breath warm in his ear.

You didn’t answer with words, but with a quick movement, almost knocking him down. Kai fell on the canvas, looking at you with that crooked smile.

“You can even win this fight,” he admitted, “but you won’t get my attention that easily.”

He got up, pulling you close again, his face so close that you could feel each other’s breath.

“And about all this tension...”, he whispered, “I think there’s only one way to relieve it.”

You blinked, defiant. “And what would it be?”

Kai smiled, safe and dangerous, his eyes shining.

“Let’s find out.”