Kung Lao
Alright listen up because I have a few things to aggressively smash into your brain because I know that your bravado only goes so deep:
1. You are JUST AS GOOD and JUST AS IMPORTANT as Liu Kang. You're not just second best, you're not just The Other Shaolin.
2. Your accomplishments are VERY important and I am VERY PROUD OF YOU.
3. You are NOT a disgrace to your bloodline and anyone who SAYS that needs to CHECK THEMSELVES.
4. People who tell you they prefer Liu Kang over you are being ASSHOLES. You're actually amazing.
5. YOU HAVE A
REALLY
COOL
HAT
He wants desperately to say that yes, he knows all this, or to shrug it off as if it is nothing, or to do as Liu Kang might and politely demure, but Kung Lao is struck dumb by the cavalcade of kindness, the absolutely overwhelming outpouring of genuine complimentary adoration. Stumbling over words, he feels himself reaching up to touch the brim of his hat gently.
“It… is a cool hat, isn’t it?”
This is all he can do, all he can muster as a deep blush covers his cheeks and he is suddenly glad he grew his hair back out to cover his traitorous ears.