Zuma watched Xiu Mei as she spoke, she hadn’t meant to upset Kozu. In the back of her mind, she made a note to herself not to mention anything about boys around her brother again. “I’m not...paying attention. I don’t...” She frowned and looked at Kozu. It was so embarrassing. She had just begun to have any interest and her brother had made a big deal about it, like she was doing something horrible and shaming everyone just by talking to them. It was so hard.
“I know you want me safe Koko. I am safe. I’m not doing anything unsafe.” She tried hard to assure him that she was fine. “Besides, if anyone tried to hurt me, I know how to protect myself. I’m a great firebender.” She grinned, pulling both her legs up on the seat and making herself comfortable, fixing her skirt over her legs properly. She let out a sigh, looking to Xiu Mei. “I’ll take some tea, if that’s what you would both like.” It was her version of an apology for upsetting things.