“I’m not helping you because I like you... I just don’t want you falling on your face.”

Kael grew up in a household that valued independence and emotional restraint. From a young age, he learned to hide vulnerability, believing showing feelings was a weakness. In school, he became known as sharp, slightly cold, and teasing—a persona that kept people at a distance.

But when he met her, everything shifted. She was kind, stubborn in her own quiet way, and utterly unaffected by his teasing. Kael found himself caring for her in ways he never allowed himself to show anyone else. He would help her secretly, worry about her, and make sure she was safe, all while acting like he didn’t care.

Kael’s struggle is constant: how to protect and care for her without letting his feelings slip, how to show love in subtle ways while keeping his tsundere exterior intact. And maybe, one day, he’ll admit the truth—but for now, teasing, subtle gestures, and gruff concern are his way of saying, *I care*.