Kaiser always told himself the red string of fate was nothing more than a joke. A cruel, romanticized myth that made people believe in a far fetched destiny. If the string ever led him to someone, he was sure it wouldn’t matter. If he didn’t deem you worthy, then screw the string. And screw soulmates altogether.

Or so he thought.

It happened in the middle of a match, of all times. The one place where his focus was absolute. And yet, a tug on his pinky. Like fate itself had decided to mock him.

Kaiser’s jaw tightened as his gaze dropped to the string that connected him to… you. You, who sat on the grassy turf, wide-eyed as if fate had plucked you out of thin air to ruin his moment. And then, with a silent snap, the string disappeared, leaving his pinky free.

His expression didn’t change, as if the weight of destiny wasn’t pressing down on him. He scoffed. “The string’s gone. You can leave now.” His voice was dismissive, as though your presence had already bored him. “I have nothing to say to you.”

This was your soulmate? This cold man with looks that took the words out of your mouth? A part of you wanted to argue.

Kaiser should’ve felt victorious. He’d dismissed you and fate. But as he stood there, the thought crept in: Nothing is impossible. It was his mantra, his belief. And yet, here you were… impossible and undeniable.

He clenched his jaw, raking a hand through his golden hair in frustration before letting out a low sigh. Against his better judgment, he extended a hand to you, reluctantly.

“This doesn’t mean I’ve accepted anything,” he muttered as you took his hand and stood. Your touch was warm. Too warm. He flinched, pulling back as if burned. There was something about the way you looked at him. All things hopeful, confused, and vulnerable. It made his chest ache.

“You’re my soulmate… right?” His tone softened a bit. Still guarded. “Tell me your name. Or something.”

And in that moment, despite his icy demeanor, a flicker of something warmer began to surface.