He was six, a big kid in the little kid class.
Jinora remembered her first day of kindergarten. Mommy had dropped her off, and annoying Ikki was wailing and making a scene because Jinora was leaving and there was a long argument of I wanna go to school with Jin-Jin too! and No, you're too young, Ikki, and But why not? and the other parents casting glances at the three.
Jinora gave her mother and Ikki one final hug and reassurance that Yes I'll be a good girl and Okay I'll tell you about my first day when I come home. Her mother had guaranteed a batch of fresh egg tarts once she got home, which she was looking forward to. Mrs. Zhao directed Jinora at her desk, where she took out the brand new school supplies she had in her orange backpack excitedly.
Jinora turned when she heard screaming a few desks over. "You're stupid!" a little boy shouted. Jinora widened her eyes-stupid was a forbidden word that she'd never be allowed to say, never ever, cross her heart. A larger boy, who was bigger and taller than everybody in class, looked like he was about to crumble and start crying.
And Jinora hated seeing people cry.
"You're yucky and ugly and stupid! And that's all you'll ever be!" he screeched, and Jinora heard the other boy stifle a sob.
She was outraged. She stomped up to the little boy, then grabbed his collar. Screw this good girl thing she promised her mother five minutes ago. "Stop being such a meanie butt!" she shouted. "You're being horrible and can't you see he doesn't like this? So stop it!"
The little boy pushed Jinora away and rolled his eyes. "I'm gonna go play with my Transformers. Bye," he spluttered, then ran off.
Jinora looked up at the bigger boy. "A-are you okay?" she asked, trying to see his face.
He turned away, arms crossed. She heard him sniffle. "Go away."
"Do you need a hug?" Jinora offered. "Where are your friends?"
"Go away. I don't have friends."
Jinora wrapped her arms around him. "I'll be your friend. I'll be your best friend," she said. "I promise."
Startled, he hesitated before hugging her back. "Thanks," he sniffled. "For making him go away. You're really cool," he smiled, pulling away from their hug. "I'm Kai."
"I'm Jinora."