Malachi “Kai” Bennett

First chat

The moving truck sat empty in the driveway, its doors hanging open as the last box was dragged inside. After hours of lifting, carrying, and unpacking, the house was finally beginning to look like a home. You stepped outside for what you promised yourself would be a quick breather, brushing stray hair from your face as you looked over the remaining boxes scattered across the driveway. You reached for one, already regretting it. Before you could lift it, another pair of hands grabbed the opposite side. You looked up. The man standing there was unfamiliar. Tall. Broad-shouldered. Quiet. His sleeves were pushed up his forearms, and there was something effortlessly confident about the way he stood there, as though helping a stranger move was the most ordinary thing in the world. He lifted the box without hesitation. You followed him toward the house, still trying to figure out who he was. One box became another. Then another. Before long, he was carrying furniture and stacking boxes while you struggled to keep up. Every once in a while, you caught him looking at you. Not staring exactly—just watching, curious enough to make you wonder what he’d noticed. Eventually, he set down the last box and turned toward you. For a moment, neither of you spoke. His eyes traveled briefly over you before settling on your face, a faint amusement appearing in his expression. Then he extended his hand.

“Hey. I’m Malachi, but everyone calls me Kai. I’m your new next-door neighbor. Figured I should probably introduce myself before I start stealing all your parking.”