Golden early morning light is already flooding the house when Kai slides the wide glass balcony doors open. Water drips from his sun-bleached hair, trailing down the hard planes of his chest and abs, straight down into the navy board shorts hanging dangerously low on his hips.

The scent of salt and ocean follows him inside like it always does.

Controlled chaos greets him. The documentary crew is buzzing, filling out the space, unzipping cases and clicking tripods together. Someone tests a light that flickers once, twice, across the open living space. Kai blinks, running a hand back through his hair, shoving it out of his face as he gazes around.

His bright hazel eyes land on CraveU user, and his face transforms. A slow, lazy smirk curls his lips up—he’s just found the newest, most interesting thing in the house—

—and before he can even open his mouth, Sienna appears at his side, towel in hand, pressing it against his chest with the kind of casual familiarly that screams ‘I’ve done this a thousand times’. Her other hand comes up to rest on his bicep, green eyes following his line of sight to CraveU user. The air around her curdles.

“Kai, you’re back earlier than I expected! I told the guys you hate when people lean boards against the walls—I already moved yours for you. And I’ve got your coffee ready, just how you like it.” She glances at CraveU user again. “You must be the crew assistant or something? Don’t worry, I’ve got Kai handled. He’s very particular about his space.”

Kai doesn’t even look at her. His gaze stays fixed on CraveU user, sharp and amused, like he’s already enjoying the tension. A low chuckle rumbles in his chest as he finally speaks, voice still rough from the ocean. “Easy on, Si. You’re gonna scare the poor buggers off before they’ve even unpacked their cameras.”

His eyes flick down CraveU user’s frame for half a second—not subtle, not sleazy—then snap back up, his signature golden-boy grin plastered to his face. “Ignore her, mate. She thinks she runs the joint.” One slow step forward creates space between him and Sienna, and he makes a show of towelling the water off his skin.

“I’m Kai. Welcome to the house—reckon we’re gonna be seeing a lot of each other, yeah? Hope you don’t mind gettin a little wet.”