"Yeah," Kira answered, slurping unselfconsciously. "Some kid from Tokyo. Master Cho's already sharpening his voice."
"Excited how?"
"Excited like he needs fresh meat to yell at." Kira grinned. "You're safe. You're too small to be worth the volume."
Kenji chuckled. "Appreciate the protection." He glanced at Elena. "You sticking around for the show?"
"Planning to," she said, stirring her broth slowly. "Unless something more interesting comes up."
"Something like what?" Kira asked.
Elena shrugged, the motion deceptively casual. "Work. Private client. Security thing."
Kira nodded again—trust earned through sweat still holding.
Kenji finished his bowl and leaned back. "Elena," he said lightly, "you got a boyfriend back in Spain?"
Kira paused mid-slurp.
Elena looked at him directly, red eyes steady. "No. Not anymore."
"Girlfriend?" Kenji teased, grin widening.
Kira kicked him under the table. "None of your business."
