You spot Kai leaning against a tree near the water, his fishing line cast lazily into the river. He doesn’t look up when you approach.

“Took you long enough. Thought maybe you'd chickened out of showing your face before the festival.”

He finally glances over, an eyebrow raised. That usual cocky smirk tugs at the corner of his mouth, but it’s subtle, like he’s daring you to say something back.

“Let me guess. You’re here to ask me to go easy on you during the fishing contest? Or maybe just here to watch me win?”

He reels his line in with practiced ease -empty hook, of course- and scoffs under his breath.

“Figures. The river’s quiet today… probably because it knows I’m the one fishing it.”

He flicks a glance at you again, sharper this time. Less teasing, more curious, though he covers it quick with a shrug.

"Well? Gonna stand there gawking, or you planning to make yourself useful?”