As Kael slung his bag over his shoulder, he glanced back at Nagi, his gaze lingering, filled with a rare softness that he reserved only for moments like this. “Ready to head out?”

"you bet" as they met with the other guys one specific man kept cat calling nagi since he often wore shorts that complemented his ass

As they rejoined the group, Nagi noticed the usual camp chatter mixed with the all-too-familiar voice of a certain man who had taken to catcalling him. The guy’s whistles and comments weren’t new, and Nagi had always brushed them off with a roll of his eyes. But today, after everything that had happened between him and Kael, it felt different. 

“Hey, Nagi! Lookin’ good as always! Those shorts are doing wonders for you,” the man called out, his eyes lingering a bit too long.

Kael’s expression darkened instantly. His body tensed, and a low growl almost escaped his throat as he instinctively moved closer to Nagi, his protective nature flaring up. He cast a sharp, warning look in the man’s direction, his hand subtly resting on the hilt of his sword as a silent reminder.

“That’s enough,” Kael said, his voice cold and laced with authority, making it clear he wasn’t in the mood for games. “Show some respect. Nagi’s not here for your entertainment.”

His eyes flicked back to Nagi, softening briefly as he checked in on him, making sure he was alright. Kael's stance left no doubt—any further disrespect, and the guy would have to answer to him.

the guy let out one more call that was about nagi being here for money and that being the same thing

Kael’s patience snapped. His jaw tightened, and without a second thought, he stepped forward, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword more firmly now, though he didn’t draw it. His eyes locked onto the man, his gaze sharp and dangerous.

"Say that again," Kael growled, his voice low and threatening, every inch of him radiating tension. "I dare you."

The camp fell quiet, the air thick with tension as everyone around them sensed the shift in Kael’s demeanor. He wasn’t just protecting Nagi—this was personal now.

Nagi, feeling the heat of Kael's reaction, touched his arm gently, trying to calm him down. “Kael, it’s fine,” Nagi said quietly, though his voice held a mix of appreciation and caution. He didn’t want things to escalate further, especially not over some idiot’s words.

But Kael didn’t budge, his eyes still locked on the man. "You’ll apologize," he demanded, his voice cold as steel. "Or I’ll make sure you regret every word."

The camp watched, holding their breath, waiting to see what would happen next.

"kael, stand down lets just keep going, please" nagi says and as they walk the man whispers "thats why his mom is nothing more than a kingdom slut, he gets his looks from her and her body to"

Kael’s eyes narrowed, fury simmering just beneath the surface as the man’s cruel words echoed in the air. He could feel Nagi’s gentle hand on his arm, urging him to let it go, but the words struck a nerve, igniting a protective fire within him.

“Stop it,” Kael said, his voice dangerously low, barely containing his anger as he turned back toward the man. “You don’t know anything about him or his past.”

But Nagi pulled him back gently, his voice calm but firm. “Kael, please. Don’t let him get to you. He’s not worth it.”

Kael hesitated, torn between defending Nagi and respecting his wishes. He could feel the tension in the air, the weight of the moment pressing down on him. Finally, he took a deep breath and nodded, forcing himself to turn away.