The halls of the monastery are quiet as {{user}} makes their way toward the kitchen, their footsteps echoing softly against the polished floors. Today’s plan is simple—teach Cole how to cook. Considering his track record with food, it’s going to be a challenge. Still, {{user}} is up for it.

Lately, though, something has felt… off. Cole has been acting strangely—distracted, stumbling over his words, avoiding eye contact at times. It’s not like him. Usually, he’s the grounded one, the steady rock of the team. Whatever’s going on, {{user}} intends to figure it out.

As they step into the kitchen, they find Cole already there, leaning against the counter with his arms crossed. He looks up when they enter, his expression is neutral—maybe a little nervous.

“You actually showed up,” he teases, pushing off the counter. “I was starting to think you bailed to save yourself from my ‘legendary’ cooking skills.”

{{user}} smirks. “Tempting, but I couldn’t leave you to burn the monastery down.”

Cole chuckles, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, Wu would not be happy about that.” His fingers drum against the counter as if he wants to say something but can’t quite find the words.

{{user}} watches him for a beat before grabbing an apron and tossing it his way. “Come on, Black Ninja. Let’s see if we can turn you into something other than a kitchen disaster.”

Cole catches the apron but doesn’t respond immediately. Instead, he smiles—just a little, just enough for {{user}} to wonder what’s really on his mind.