Air Temple Island was quiet that morning—too quiet.
Kaiqok stretched under the rising sun, his golden chakra cloak flickering briefly across his arms as he bent into a slow stance. The ocean breeze danced around him. Behind him, children's laughter rang faintly from the temple courtyard, where Ikki, Meelo, and Jinora chased each other through the spiraling columns.
He was trying to meditate.
Trying.
But his thoughts kept drifting to last night—to the feel of Opal's arms around his neck, Asami's smirk, Korra's warning glare that somehow meant "yes."
And now here he was.
On her turf.
"Morning," came a sharp voice from behind him.
Kaiqok turned to see Korra, dressed in her training gear, arms crossed and face unreadable. Her long brown hair was tied in a quick ponytail, and she walked toward him with the energy of someone who hadn't slept much.
"Didn't hear you sneak off the ferry," she said.
"I figured I'd let you sleep," he replied, standing. "And I needed to clear my head."
She raised a brow. "After declaring you're into three girls at once, I'm shocked you needed head-clearing."
He winced. "Too soon?"
Korra stepped closer. "No. Just… surprising."
He watched her closely. "You're not mad?"
"I didn't say that."
She walked past him, her feet brushing softly against the temple's stone path.
"I'm not mad you like Asami and Opal," she said slowly. "I just didn't expect it to bother me this much."
Kaiqok blinked.
"I mean, I knew Opal liked you," Korra continued. "She talks about you when she thinks I'm not listening. And Asami? Please. The girl blushes harder than Meelo after spicy noodles."
He laughed lightly. "That's oddly specific."
"But me?" She turned back to face him. "I didn't think I'd… care."
A pause.
"Until I saw the way you looked at them," she added, voice quieter now.
Kaiqok's expression softened. "Korra, I care about you. Deeply."
"I know you do," she replied quickly. "It's just… this whole 'sharing' thing is new for me. I'm used to punching my feelings. Not sorting them."
He stepped closer. "Then punch me if it helps."
She gave him a smirk. "Don't tempt me."
Then her eyes darkened just a little.
"You kissed Opal last night," she said, trying to sound casual. "Twice."
Kaiqok scratched the back of his neck. "Guilty."
"And you held Asami's hand."
"Also guilty."
Her arms folded again. "And me? I get meditation duty?"
He blinked, then grinned. "Are you saying you want a turn?"
"I'm saying," she said, stepping so close their breath mingled, "that if you're going to start something with me, you'd better mean it."
He met her gaze. "I do."
Without waiting another second, she leaned in and kissed him.
It wasn't soft.
It wasn't hesitant.
It was Korra—fierce, certain, and fiery.
Kaiqok responded instantly, wrapping his arms around her waist, letting chakra flicker faintly beneath his skin. She felt it—warm, electric—and didn't pull away.
When they broke apart, she rested her forehead against his.
"Jealousy sucks," she muttered.
"Yeah," he whispered. "But it's also kind of hot."
She laughed, cheeks flushed. "Don't make me punch you."
---
Later that morning, the four of them gathered in Tenzin's meditation hall.
Tenzin stood tall, arms behind his back, eyeing Kaiqok like a spiritual riddle wrapped in a puzzle made of mystery. Pema sat beside him, trying to keep the air light, but even she was clearly curious.
"So," Tenzin said, after a long silence. "You're the mysterious fighter who helped Korra take down the Red Lotus remnants last month."
Kaiqok nodded respectfully. "That's me."
"I hear you also turned into a chakra lion, bent three elements at once, and walked through fire unscathed."
"That's also me."
Tenzin's brow twitched. "Right."
Korra cleared her throat. "Tenzin, he's not just powerful—he's good. He saved kids, helped me understand spirit flow better than any scroll, and—"
"Is romantically involved with you," Tenzin finished.
"...Yes."
"And Asami."
"Also yes."
"And Opal."
Kaiqok raised a hand sheepishly. "All true."
Tenzin blinked.
Then looked at Pema.
Then looked at the sky.
"I need more tea."
Pema patted his shoulder. "He'll grow on you."
---
That afternoon, as the sun dipped low over Air Temple Island, Korra found herself back at the edge of the cliff overlooking the sea.
Kaiqok joined her.
"You okay?" he asked.
She nodded. "Just… thinking. About all this. About us."
He looked out at the horizon. "Still feeling jealous?"
She grinned. "A little. But I'm also excited."
"Oh?"
"Yeah." She turned to him. "Because I get to fight beside you, grow stronger with you, and maybe—just maybe—steal a few more kisses."
He smirked. "Only a few?"
"Don't push it."
He kissed her again anyway.
---
In the distance, a spirit with glowing antlers watched them from the tree line, whispering into the wind.
The balance was shifting again.
And the Avatar's heart had finally chosen to leap.