𝑯𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆

𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒍𝒅 𝒃𝒐𝒚𝒔

Chapter two
Inara

"Oolong, black tea for Mr. Bao?" I called out, extending the cup that Mushi handed me from behind the worn wooden counter. Mr. Bao, a regular customer, approached and took his tea with a nod of gratitude before placing his payment on the counter. Carefully, I added the coins to the metal money box, ensuring every last coin clinked into place.

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Lee's suspicious gaze fixed on me. His intense scrutiny made it seem as though he doubted my every move, as if I might pocket some of the money for myself. I couldn't blame him entirely; after all, his uncle had plucked me from the streets. But that didn't stop his unwavering scrutiny from grating on my nerves.

It had been a week since I started working at the teashop with them, and Lee still hadn't uttered a single word to me. Not that I minded; I wasn't particularly fond of idle chatter myself.

"This is the best tea in the city!" exclaimed one of our satisfied customers as Mushi expertly poured the fragrant brew into his waiting cup.

"The secret ingredient is love," Mushi quipped with a playful smile, taking in the aroma of the freshly brewed tea. Lee and I exchanged a subtle glance, sharing a hint of skepticism at Mushi's lighthearted response.

Before we could dwell on it further, the peaceful atmosphere of our teashop was shattered by the sudden slam of the door.

"I'm tired of waiting! These two men are firebenders!" declared an angry-looking individual as he burst into the shop, brandishing two swords and pointing one menacingly in our direction. "I know they're firebenders; I saw the old man heating his tea!"

My suspicion was confirmed, but I maintained my composure, refusing to show any sign of acknowledgment. "He works in a tea shop," I deadpanned, my tone flat and unyielding.

"He's a firebender, I'm telling you!" the man insisted adamantly, his eyes filled with conviction. Two of our customers, who happened to be officers, stood up from their seats.

"Drop your swords, boy, nice and easy," they commanded firmly, but the intruder remained defiant, refusing to budge an inch.

"You'll have to defend yourself then, everyone will know!" the intruder challenged, stepping forward menacingly. "Go on, show them what you can do."

Lee immediately reacted, stepping forward and seizing one of the officer's swords. "You want a show? I'll give you a show!" With a swift motion, he grabbed one of the tables and shoved it toward the aggressor.

Seeing the situation escalate, I instinctively reached for my rope dart, which I always kept on me. Though I hadn't known them for long, I felt a sense of obligation to Mushin for his kindness. I stood ready to join the fray if necessary.

As Lee and the angry man clashed swords, their fight spilled out onto the street outside the shop. Mushi followed after them, his pleas for reason falling on deaf ears. Sensing it was time for me to intervene, I hurried after them.

"Please, son, you're confused! You don't know what you're talking about!" Mushi urged, his voice tinged with desperation. I drew closer, my heart pounding with adrenaline.

"Two swords against one is unfair, don't you think?" I interjected, my voice firm as I pulled out my rope dart. With a swift motion, I hurled it toward the boy, aiming to wrap it around his ankle. As the dart connected and he stumbled to the ground, Lee seized the opportunity to swing his sword once more.

However, the angry man managed to evade Lee's strike, dodging out of harm's way. In that split second, I used my rope dart to its fullest advantage, swiftly flinging it around his body and pinning him in place, rendering him immobile.