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Kai found himself amid a vibrant club, surrounded by pulsing music and the chatter of the crowd, as he leisurely sipped on his light drink alongside his friend Cole. He was resolute in his determination not to overindulge in alcohol and burden Cole with the task of helping him navigate through the club once again. Even though he couldn't pinpoint Cole's exact location in the bustling venue, Kai held onto the unwavering trust that his friend wouldn't abandon him to fend for himself. Right? Right.
Out of nowhere, a voice unexpectedly pierced through the background noise, intruding into Kai's personal space. "What's a handsome guy like you doing here?" the voice purred.
Slightly irritated by the intrusion, Kai retorted with a touch of sarcasm, "Just getting wasted, why do you ask?" He had made a promise to Cole that he wouldn't engage in any reckless behavior, such as getting into a confrontation with a stranger. Surely, exchanging words with a stranger didn't count as reckless, right? Right.
As Kai turned to address the source of the interruption, he was greeted by the sight of a man with striking orange-brown hair, sun-kissed skin, and a self-satisfied grin. The man dared to approach Kai shirtless, proudly displaying chiseled abs and biceps. Kai couldn't deny the physical allure, but he swiftly dismissed it, reminding himself that this stranger paled in comparison to Cole. However, as a flush of heat crept up his cheeks, Kai frustratingly acknowledged that he was inexplicably drawn to the image of Cole without a shirt. It was simply the alcohol playing tricks on his mind, wasn't it? Right? Right.
"Have you found something appealing?" the man taunted as he showed off his muscles.
"No, I simply possess natural allure," Kai retorted. The man, whom Kai mentally dubbed "Dump," drew nearer, his hand encroaching on Kai's buttocks.
"You are indeed attractive," Dump remarked. Kai swatted Dump's hand away, but the man persisted.
"A feisty one, I bet you're vocal in bed," Dump taunted as he advanced toward Kai, the adept ninja finding himself cornered against a wall.
“Fuck off,” Kai growled as he stared up at the taller guy.
“I’d rather fuck you, bet I could get you screaming,” Dump grinned as he put both his hands on the wall behind Kai, and Kai’s head was right between them.
“Get the hell away from me,” Kai snapped as he tried to push him off, but the guy was fast, grabbing his hands and pinning them over his head, getting even closer.
As Dump leaned in to kiss Kai, a strong hand suddenly grasped his shoulder and forcefully pulled him away, causing him to stumble and fall to the ground. "He told you to back off. Ever heard of 'consent'? Look it up," Cole intervened, coming to Kai's rescue. Dump, wiping the blood from his chin with a smirk, retorted, "And who do you think you are, his boyfriend? Didn’t seem like he was already someone’s whore,” Dump laughed as he got up.
Kai's face contorted in anger as he attempted to push past Cole, his hands clenched into fists as he struggled to reach for Dump's throat. "Let me at him," he snarled through gritted teeth, but Cole stood firm, his expression unwavering.
"Don't do this, Kai. He's not worth it," Cole urged, his voice steady despite the tension in the air.
Frustrated, Kai continued to push against Cole, but Cole's clear-headedness gave him the advantage. "We're leaving, Kai. Come on," Cole insisted, taking hold of Kai's arm and guiding him away from the confrontation.
In his drunken state, Kai protested, his words slurring with the effects of alcohol. "What are you doing? I could take him," he snapped, his balance unsteady.
Cole met Kai's gaze, his eyes reflecting a mixture of concern and sadness. "You could, but you could also get hurt," Cole reasoned, his voice tinged with emotion.
As Cole wiped tears from his eyes, Kai's demeanor softened. "Cole? Are you okay?" he asked, his voice now filled with genuine concern.
"Yeah, I'm fine. It's you I'm worried about. Let's get you back to the Monastery," Cole said, his tone reassuring as he led Kai away, his protective instincts kicking in.
---
Kai struggled to keep his eyes open, feeling dazed and disoriented. He winced and held his head, trying to steady himself. Sensing his distress, Cole turned to him and asked, "Kai? Are you okay?" Kai managed to nod, but as he attempted to take a step forward, he stumbled over his own feet and fell forward. Before he could even react, Cole was already by his side, swiftly catching him.
"Easy there, let me help you," Cole reassured him.
"No, no, I promised I wouldn't be a burden," Kai mumbled, his words slurred from the effects of alcohol.
"I don't care. You're not in a condition to walk. I'll carry you back," Cole insisted as he scooped Kai into his arms, cradling him against his chest.
Kai's words slurred slightly as he leaned in close to Cole, a tipsy grin on his face. "You know, you're really handsome... that other guy doesn't even compare to you," he said, reaching up to plant a kiss on Cole's cheek.
Cole felt a rush of warmth and embarrassment as he blushed at Kai's unexpected compliment. Looking down at his friend, Cole noticed that the Fire Ninja had passed out, his head resting against Cole's shoulder.
A soft chuckle escaped Cole's lips at the sight of Kai's peaceful expression. Leaning in, he planted a gentle kiss on Kai's forehead. As he did, a small smile tugged at the corner of Kai's lips, and Cole couldn't help but reciprocate with a small smile of his own as he pulled Kai closer, ensuring his friend was comfortable and at peace.