White Dragon Hidden in The Leaves

The late morning sun cast a golden glow across the bustling streets of the Village as I made my way through the marketplace. The familiar sounds of traders calling out their wares, and kids laughing. But today, I wasn't in a rush to get anywhere. No training, no missions. Just me, walking through the village, looking for an apartment. It felt... strange not to have any pressure on my shoulders.

I rubbed the back of my neck, feeling slightly sore from the chunnin exam. As much as I hated admitting it, I needed this break. Constantly pushing myself without a moment to relax would burn me out before the exams. And besides, I deserved a day to just think, about the future, my goals, and maybe something as simple as a place to call my own.

"I guess this is what normal life feels like," I muttered under my breath. Not that my life was ever really *normal.* After all, I chose this. Reincarnating into this world had been my decision. 

The idea of getting an apartment had crossed my mind before, but with everything that's happened recently, preparing for the final part of the Chunin exams, and meeting people like Hakuja Sennin, I hadn't really had time to seriously consider it. But now, walking through the village, I realized how much I needed a place to call my own.

It's not like I hated living with my grandfather, but... after everything, it was hard to pretend things hadn't changed. I needed space, literally and figuratively.

But what kind of place did I even want? Something quiet, obviously. But not too far from the village center. I didn't want to feel cut off, especially with the exams coming up. I needed to be close enough to the action. Somewhere with good light, a decent view, maybe even a balcony? Yeah, a balcony sounded nice. I could practice yoga there in the mornings, and get fresh air without having to deal with the crowded streets.

The more I thought about it, the more excited I got about the idea. As I passed by a group of older women gossiping near a flower shop, I caught a glimpse of a nearby building. It wasn't particularly tall or flashy, but something about it caught my eye. A simple two-story structure with whitewashed walls and a small wooden sign hanging from the front. *Apartments Available*.

I paused for a moment, feeling a tug of curiosity. I had money saved up, enough to not have to worry for a while, and I had always been careful with my spending. It wasn't like I splurged on unnecessary things. Having learned the value of savings in my last life, I'd made sure to keep my earnings from missions. After all, money wouldn't always come easily, and I knew better than to waste it on things I didn't need.

With a deep breath, I made my way up the steps to the entrance. Inside, the building was clean and surprisingly well-maintained, considering its modest appearance. The wooden floors creaked slightly under my sandals, but the smell of freshly polished wood reassured me that whoever owned this place took care of it. 

"Looking for a place?" A voice pulled me from my thoughts, and I turned to see a middle-aged man standing behind a desk in the small lobby, the type one would see in those NTR stories. But unlike those stories, his eyes were kind, with the faintest trace of a smile tugging at his lips.

"Yeah," I nodded. "You have anything available?"

He scratched his chin thoughtfully before gesturing for me to follow. "You're in luck. We've got a couple of rooms open. Want to take a look?"

I followed him up the stairs, my mind already racing with possibilities. The walls were simple, painted a soft cream color, and the air was cool despite the warmth of the day outside. We stopped in front of one of the doors on the second floor, and he pulled out a set of keys, unlocking the door with a soft click.

When the door swung open, The apartment wasn't huge, but it was perfect. A single bedroom with large windows that let in plenty of sunlight, a small but functional kitchen, and a living space that opened up onto a tiny balcony. The view wasn't anything spectacular, just the rooftops of nearby buildings and a few trees but it was peaceful. Quiet.

I stepped inside, running my fingers along the smooth wooden counter in the kitchen. The apartment had a simplicity to it, but that was exactly what I needed.

"How much?" I asked, turning to the landlord.

He told me the price, and I felt a wave of relief. It was within my budget, more than within, actually. I'd have enough left over to decorate it however I wanted, maybe even buy a few things to make it feel more like home.

"I'll take it," I said without hesitation.

He seemed a little surprised by how quickly I made the decision, but then again, he didn't know everything that had led up to this moment. He didn't know that, for me, this was perfect. Today was about relaxing. Taking a moment to breathe. Tomorrow, I'd get back to training, back to preparing for the exams.

As I stood on the balcony, looking out at the village below, I thought about how far I'd come since the day I decided to reincarnate here. I wasn't the same person I was back then. I had changed.

After getting the keys to my new apartment and walking around a bit, I realized something I needed to really unwind, to let the weight of everything slide off my shoulders for a while. And what better place than the bathhouse?

It wasn't far from my new apartment, maybe a fifteen-minute walk through the quieter streets of the village. The warm afternoon sun was still shining brightly as I made my way over, but I could already imagine the steamy comfort of the bath, the way the heat would soothe my muscles and help me forget, even if just for a little while.

When I arrived, the familiar scent of mineral water hit me as soon as I stepped through the doors. The bathhouse was simple, not overly fancy, but it had everything I needed.

The lady at the counter gave me a polite nod, and I paid the fee before heading to the changing area. I could already feel myself relaxing just thinking about the warm water. After slipping out of my clothes and wrapping a towel around myself, I made my way into the female section of the bath. The steam greeted me, the air thick with warmth.

For the first few minutes, I just soaked in the heat, letting the tension in my shoulders and back melt away. The water was perfect, hot enough to ease the knots in my muscles but not so hot that it felt uncomfortable. I leaned my head back against the edge of the bath and closed my eyes, letting out a long sigh of relief.

For the first time in what felt like weeks, I wasn't thinking about training, or about my next move in the exams, or even about the people I'd fought and the decisions I'd made. I was just... here.

I started to wonder if this was what normal people did. The ones who didn't have to worry about missions or exams. Did they come to places like this often, just to relax and let go of everything? It was such a foreign concept to me, the idea of just... like how things were back in my old life.

As I let myself drift in the calm, a familiar voice pierced through the haze of my relaxation. My eyes snapped open, and I frowned slightly, straining to listen.

*No way...* I thought, my heart skipping a beat. Was that... Naruto?

I blinked, glancing around. I was definitely in the female section of the bathhouse, so what the hell was he doing here? I tried to convince myself that it couldn't possibly be him, maybe I was just imagining things. After all, Naruto's voice was pretty loud and distinct, so it wouldn't be the first time I thought I heard him when he wasn't actually around.

But then, I heard it again. That same loud, energetic tone I'd recognize anywhere.

"Wait... what?" I muttered to myself, glancing around the steamy bath. *There's no way.*

I sat up a little, squinting through the steam. I couldn't see anyone else in the bathhouse who looked suspicious, and I definitely didn't see Naruto anywhere. But the more I listened, the more I was convinced. That was definitely him.

My first thought was that he was pulling one of his classic pranks. The kind where he'd somehow manage to sneak into the female section, thinking he wouldn't get caught. I sighed, shaking my head. As much as Naruto was unpredictable, I also knew he wouldn't have the nerve to actually step into the bathhouse itself, right? Right?

but then again Naruto's voice echoed from outside. I sat there for a second, trying to tell myself that it was just a coincidence. *No way,* I thought, a flash of annoyance bubbling up. But when I heard it again, clearer this time, followed by another voice, one that could only be described as older and somehow… skeevy, it clicked.

*They're peeping.* 

*How dare they!*

Without a word, I lifted my hands going through the hand signs, summoning Kurokane, my snake familiar. She materialized with a soft hiss, her sleek black and gold scales glinting as she wrapped herself around my neck. Her eyes narrowed, catching onto my mood.

"Kurokane," I whispered, "we've got some perverts to deal with." 

A few heads turned my way as I stood up and quickly got dressed, pulling on my clothes. I felt the curious gazes of some of the older kunoichi nearby, their expressions shifting from surprise to understanding as they caught onto my movements. They knew something was up; they'd heard Naruto's voice too, no doubt. But I wasn't about to make a scene. I was going to do this right, quietly, efficiently, like a true shinobi.

Once dressed, I slipped outside, following the faint sounds of Naruto's boisterous laughter, mixed with that other voice, a deeper, rougher tone that could only belong to a certain infamously perverted sage. The two of them were huddled together by a small gap in the fence, Naruto looking clueless while the older man, Jiraiya, grinned as he peered through the cracks with unmistakable enthusiasm.

*Just like in the anime,* I thought, annoyance flaring hotter. Knowing my past life sometimes felt like a double-edged sword. Sure, it gave me an edge, but it also meant I knew just what kind of person Jiraiya was. There was no way I was going to let him get away with this.

Without hesitation, I leaped forward, aiming my fist straight at Jiraiya's back. I moved fast, using body flicker to close the distance. But somehow, in the blink of an eye, he turned, dodging with a kind of casual ease that made my blood boil.

"Oh ho! So you noticed us, huh?" he chuckled, not looking remotely apologetic. "You're quicker than most, I'll give you that!"

I didn't bother with words. Instead, I signaled Kurokane and her golden eyes glowed, casting a Genjutsu over him that should have been enough to throw him off balance. But to my frustration, he just chuckled, waving his hand through the illusion as if it were nothing.

"Genjutsu of that level doesn't work on me, kid," he said, grinning. "You'll have to try harder than that."

His words only made me more upset. I felt the familiar rush of power coursing through me as I activated my Kure Clan Release, pushing it to 80 percent. My skin and veins took on that unmistakable purple hue, a surge of energy radiating from within me. If he thought he could just laugh this off, he was in for a rude awakening.

I darted toward him, fists clenched, landing a rapid series of strikes that should have hit. But each time, he sidestepped or deflected, his movements infuriatingly smooth. It was like he was barely even trying.

"You're persistent, I'll give you that," he said, looking almost... amused? "But maybe you should save that energy for the Chunin Exams, hm?"

I gritted my teeth, my frustration mounting. "How about you save your advice for someone who actually wants it?" I spat back, going in for another attack, this time with Kurokane coordinating alongside me.

Kurokane lunged forward, snapping her jaws just inches from Jiraiya, but he dodged with a quick backward step as a frog slammed her mouth shut. "Feisty! And she's got a snake too?" he mused, sounding genuinely impressed and worried. "Don't tell me you're following in his steps."

"Im not!" I said coldly, aiming a high kick straight for his head. But he caught my foot mid-air, releasing it with a light shove that had me stumbling back, his grip stronger than it looked.

I could feel Kurokane's irritation mirroring mine, her scales shifting against my neck. "I'll admit, you've got some spirit. But really," he said, as a frog landed on his head, "you kids these days could use a little more control. No sense in wasting your energy here."

"And no sense in wasting your time here either," I shot back, fists still clenched, breath coming in short, frustrated huffs.

A pause lingered between us, his eyes meeting mine, and I could sense a glimmer of understanding, or maybe just humor. "You really are something else," he muttered, almost to himself. "But don't worry kid; one day you'll see things differently. you seem like the type that would like my book."

Just then, a chorus of angry voices broke through the tension. I turned to see several of the older kunoichi from the bathhouse, their expressions dark as they took in the scene. They'd seen Jiraiya peeping too, and they weren't happy about it.

"Is this your idea of research, Jiraiya?" one of them called out, crossing her arms with a steely glare.

Jiraiya let out a laugh, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "Ah, come on, ladies. Can't a man gather a little inspiration for his work?"

"Inspiration?" one of them scoffed, her eyes narrowing. "More like an excuse for your perversions! And you have the nerve to bring a child into it!" She pointed a finger at Naruto, who was standing off to the side, looking thoroughly confused.

"Eh? Wait, no! I wasn't—" Naruto stammered, looking between Jiraiya and the angry kunoichi, clearly having no clue how he'd gotten roped into this mess.

But by now, the group of kunoichi was advancing on Jiraiya, their tempers flaring as they closed in. For a moment, I considered going for one last hit myself, but it was clear that he was outnumbered. With an almost graceful leap, Jiraiya dodged backward, retreating down the path as the kunoichi followed, their voices echoing after him.

"You'll pay for this, Jiraiya!"

"Don't ever show your face around here again!"

As they chased him down the street, I couldn't help the smirk that crossed my face. Despite not landing a hit, seeing him flee from the wrath of the bathhouse kunoichi was satisfaction enough. Kurokane let out a soft hiss of approval, her body relaxing against my shoulders.

"Well, that was... something," I muttered, shaking my head as I turned away from the now-empty path. Today was supposed to be about relaxation, and instead, it had become a chaotic mess, thanks to a perverted sage and Naruto's clueless enthusiasm. But at least it had been... entertaining, in a way.

After the chaos at the bathhouse, I wandered through the village streets, the air cooling as the afternoon sun began to dip toward the horizon. The day had already been full of surprises, but I wasn't ready for it to end just yet. I figured a quiet walk would help clear my mind after everything, but as fate would have it, I wouldn't be alone for long.

"Ayumi!" A familiar voice called from behind me. I turned to see Anko Mitarashi, my teacher, striding toward me with that trademark grin on her face. She looked casual, her trench coat flaring as she walked, but the gleam in her eye told me she was up to something.

"Anko-sensei," I greeted, stopping as she approached.

"Fancy running into you here," she said, her tone light. "I was just about to grab something to eat. You in the mood for some dango?"

I couldn't help but smile. Anko and her obsession with dango were well-known throughout the village. It wasn't exactly my favorite food, but the idea of sitting down and chatting over something sweet and simple actually sounded... nice.

"Sure, I'll join you," I replied.

We made our way to one of her favorite dango shops, a cozy little spot tucked away from the main street. It was quiet, with only a few people scattered across the small tables. As soon as we sat down, Anko wasted no time ordering a ridiculous amount of skewers, her excitement almost contagious.

"So, what's new with you?" she asked, her tone casual, but I could see the curiosity in her eyes.

"Not much, just taking a break from all the training," I replied, leaning back in my chair. "Needed a day to breathe, you know?"

Anko gave me a knowing look. "I get it. The Chunin Exams stressing you out."

I smiled at her confidence in me, but before I could say anything, Anko leaned in a little, her grin turning mischievous. "Though, I half expected to see you out and about with a certain someone today."

I raised an eyebrow. "A certain someone?"

She chuckled, tapping her finger against the table. "Oh, come on. Don't play dumb. I'm talking about Lee. That boy practically lights up whenever you're around. I figured after his little confession, you two would be inseparable."

I felt a slight flush creep up my neck at the mention of Lee. He had confessed his feelings to me not too long ago, and while I hadn't exactly given him an answer, there was something about his sincerity that made me... think. Lee was someone who trained relentlessly, who wore his heart on his sleeve, and I couldn't help but admire that. But still, I hadn't figured out how I truly felt about him yet.

"Well, I do like him," I admitted, feeling a little awkward saying it out loud. "He's... dedicated."

"Dedicated?" Anko laughed, leaning back in her chair. "That's one way to put it. That boy would probably run through walls for you if you asked him to."

I chuckled at the thought, knowing it wasn't too far from the truth. "Yeah, I guess so. But I'm not exactly sure how I feel yet."

Anko waved her hand dismissively. "You're young. You've got time to figure it out. No need to rush into anything. But just so you know, it's not every day you get a guy as genuine as Lee pining after you."

I nodded, appreciating her words. But even as I thought about Lee, my mind drifted to someone else. Just as I was about to respond, the door to the dango shop slid open, and Izumi walked in. Her eyes scanned the room briefly before landing on me, and she made her way over with her usual calm stride.

"Mind if I join you two?" she asked, though I could tell by the way she was already pulling out a chair that she didn't expect an answer.

"Of course, the more the merrier," Anko said, gesturing to the table full of dango skewers. "Help yourself. I might've ordered too much... again."

Izumi glanced at the pile of skewers with a raised eyebrow. "You think?"

Anko just grinned, clearly unfazed. "It's all part of the experience."

Izumi took a seat, grabbing one of the skewers and biting into it thoughtfully. She didn't say much at first, but her presence added a comfortable silence to the table. It was nice, sitting here with the two of them, no pressure, no expectations, just a simple meal shared between friends and family.

"So, Ayumi," Anko said after a moment, her tone teasing again, "what's the plan after the exams? You gonna be the next Hokage, or are you too busy sorting out your love life?"

I nearly choked on my drink. "What? No! I'm just focused on becoming stronger right now. Nothing else."

Izumi smirked slightly, though she didn't say anything. Anko, however, was clearly having way too much fun with this.

"Sure, sure," she said, grinning. "But don't think I didn't see that little blush when I mentioned Lee earlier. And who knows? Maybe there's someone else on your mind too. You're at that age, after all."

I shot her a glare, though it lacked any real heat. "I'm not even thinking about that stuff right now, Anko."

"Right, right," she said, leaning back with a laugh. "I believe you. For now."

Izumi finally spoke, her tone calm but with a hint of amusement. "Maybe Anko should focus on her own love life instead of meddling in yours."

Anko gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her heart. "My love life? Please, I've got no time for that. Too busy being awesome."

Anko leaned back, the smug grin on her face only getting wider as she saw how much she was making me squirm. "You know," she began casually, waving a skewer of dango as if it was the most normal thing in the world, "I could give you some pointers about guys." 

"P-pointers?" My face flushed instantly, and I could feel the heat spreading all the way to my ears. Oh god, not this conversation. Anko had that mischievous glint in her eyes, the one that promised nothing good for my dignity. "What do you mean?"

Izumi perked up, a little smile curling at the corners of her lips. "That's not a bad idea, Ayumi. I mean, I learned a lot when I was trying to impress my crush." She had the gall to wink. My heart practically exploded. She was talking about *that*. Her hands even mimicked the shape, her fingers closing around the air, moving up and down slowly in a way that made me want to melt into the floor.

I choked on my drink, feeling steam practically shoot out of my ears. "Wh-why are we talking about this?!"

Anko let out a bark of laughter, clearly enjoying my suffering. "Hey, you're getting to that age. No harm in a little... education." She winked at me, leaning forward like she was about to share some grand secret. Her voice dropped a little lower. "And between you and me? Knowing how to handle a guy can really get their attention. Ever wonder why Kakashi always seems so cool and collected? It's 'cause no one's ever gotten under his skin the *right* way."

I coughed, nearly dying on the spot. "What do you mean by that?!"

Anko grinned even wider, twirling a skewer in her hand like it was an invisible—oh god, I didn't want to think about it. "It's all about knowing the right... pressure points." She winked, and my face was a permanent shade of tomato red now. 

I glanced at Izumi for backup, but she just gave me an innocent shrug, though her eyes sparkled with amusement. "It might not be a bad idea to learn a thing or two. I mean, look at Itachi... You think he got that stoic because no one *ever* tried? Some girls went all out, but I bet they just weren't... persistent enough so that's why I won."

My brain short-circuited. Itachi? *That* Itachi?! My mind spiraled at the idea of anyone even attempting to be that bold with him. And then—*oh no*—the mental image popped into my head before I could stop it. Izum, standing in front of him, moving to take care of him, as he stared with those deep, unreadable eyes. I felt like I was on fire. "Stop, stop, stop!" I waved my hands frantically. "I don't want to think about this anymore!"

Izumi tilted her head, a thoughtful expression on her face. "You know, it's not just guys who notice things like that. If you liked girls, it could still help... I mean, I did notice how Hinata was staring at you during the last exam."

"Hinata?" I squeaked, feeling like I might actually combust from embarrassment. My mind flashed back to the way her eyes followed me so intently, that strange look I'd caught her giving me once or twice. *Wait, what did that mean?* 

Anko chimed in, oblivious, or maybe not so oblivious, to the panic rising inside me. "Oh yeah, that girl's practically undressing you with her eyes. Probably thinking about what it'd be like to pin you against a tree or something." She mimed a pushing motion, a wicked grin on her face. "Pretty intense for someone who used to be shy, huh?"

I buried my face in my hands, wishing the ground would swallow me whole. "Please, no more."

The older women near our table had clearly caught on to what was happening. I could hear them giggling softly, whispering to each other. I was *dying*. Absolutely, positively dying. 

Anko just chuckled, patting me on the back like this was all some big joke. "Come on, Ayumi, don't be so uptight. Everyone's gotta learn sometime, and who better than your favorite sensei?" She winked.

I shot up from my seat, my face practically on fire now. "I-I think I'm gonna get some fresh air!" I stammered, rushing toward the door, ignoring the sounds of their laughter behind me.

As I bolted out of the dango shop, I could still hear Anko's voice trailing after me, teasing and smug. "Just say the word, Ayumi! I'm always happy to help!"

The fading sun stretched long shadows across the village, painting everything in warm hues of orange and pink as I finally made my way toward home. After everything that happened today, I just wanted to collapse into a soft futon and bury my face in a pillow until my mind stopped replaying the mortifying events over and over again. First, I'd had to deal with a peeping tom and then Anko and Izumi's endless teasing. It was as if the world was conspiring to make me blush until I permanently matched the color of a tomato.

As I strolled through the marketplace, trying to shake off the lingering embarrassment, I spotted a cozy shop selling bedding. The display of futons immediately caught my eye. I knew my new apartment would feel empty without something comfortable to sink into, and after the way this day had gone, I deserved a treat.

I lingered by the display, my gaze falling on a plush futon that practically beckoned me with promises of warmth and softness. It was bigger and fancier than what I needed, but I had the money. After all, I'd saved up over the years and learned to be careful with my spending. This futon, though? It was worth the splurge.

The shopkeeper wrapped it up neatly, and I paid before hoisting the large bundle onto my back. The weight was substantial, but not unmanageable, especially for a shinobi. As I walked, the soft thud of the bundle against my back was oddly comforting. Soon, I'd be home, curled up in its cozy warmth, letting this day finally fade into oblivion.

But just as I thought I'd managed to escape the day's mortifying events, fate decided to throw one last curveball at me.

I turned the corner and nearly walked right into a familiar group, Team Guy. Standing there, as if he'd been waiting just to complicate my day, was none other than Rock Lee. His bowl-cut hair shone under the evening light, his eyes practically sparkling when he saw me. Next to him were Tenten, Neji, and their teacher, Guy. They looked relaxed, probably returning from training or a mission.

For a second, I froze, feeling my heart lodge itself firmly in my throat. The embarrassment from earlier, Anko's teasing about Lee, the whole ordeal in the bathhouse, flooded back with a vengeance. I could feel the blush spreading across my cheeks, burning all the way to the tips of my ears. With my pale skin, I probably looked like a firecracker ready to go off.

"Ayumi!" Lee's voice rang out, his expression bright and full of enthusiasm. He looked genuinely happy to see me.

My heart pounded faster, my thoughts a chaotic mess. *What do I do?* Before my brain could even finish processing, my legs took over. I spun around on my heel, bolting down the street without a second thought. The futon bounced awkwardly on my back as I dashed away, but I didn't care. I just needed to get out of there, as far from Lee's gaze as possible.

In the distance, I heard Tenten's amused voice calling after me. "Oh, I think I know why she did that."

Neji looked serious. "She looked... unwell. Her face was as red as a tomato."

Tenten let out a soft laugh. "Neji, you really don't get it, do you?"

I didn't stay to listen to the rest of their conversation as I ran, my cheeks burning hotter with each step. I could only imagine the scene I'd left behind, Lee looking baffled, Tenten amused, and Neji probably convinced I'd contracted some sort of fever. Guy might have even started shouting something about "youthful spirit" or whatever it was he always went on about.

By the time I finally slowed down, I was near the edge of the village, not far from my apartment. My heart was still racing, both from the sprint and the rush of emotions. I leaned against a wall, catching my breath, trying to calm the whirlwind of thoughts swirling in my head.

*Why did I run like that?* I mentally groaned, frustrated with myself. Lee hadn't done anything wrong; it was me and my ridiculously flustered reactions to everything. Between Anko and Izumi's teasing about him and my own confused feelings, I couldn't seem to handle a simple encounter without turning into a stammering mess. How was I supposed to get stronger if I couldn't even look Lee in the eye without blushing?

As I pushed away from the wall, I realized that, as embarrassing as it was, I'd have to face him eventually. Maybe I'd just laugh it off, play it cool the next time I saw him. *Or at least try,* I thought wryly, though I wasn't sure my resolve would hold up.

The cool evening air helped to clear my mind a little as I walked the last few blocks to my apartment. By the time I reached my door, my heart had finally slowed to a more manageable rhythm, though my face was still tinged with a faint blush.

With a sigh, I unlocked the door and stepped inside, the quiet space feeling like a welcome refuge after the day's craziness. I set the futon down in the middle of the room, the thick fabric practically inviting me to collapse onto it. Unwrapping it, I spread it out, smoothing the edges before giving in and flopping down onto the soft surface. It was as comfortable as I'd imagined, and I let out a sigh of relief as I sank into its warmth.

For a few moments, I just lay there, staring up at the ceiling, letting the peace of my new apartment settle over me. After everything that had happened today.

As I lay there, though, my mind drifted back to Lee, his bright eyes, his earnest smile. I hadn't given him an answer when he'd confessed his feelings, and the truth was, I still didn't know what I felt. Lee was genuine, dedicated, and, somehow, he made me feel... safe. But I couldn't sort out if that warmth was just admiration or something more.

And then there was Hinata, she had changed for the shy and timid girl she used to be, and something pulled at something in me I couldn't quite name, She reminded me of my old friend back on earth. I'd caught her looking at me a few times during training, her gaze lingering with that strange, soft intensity.

I groaned, pulling a pillow over my face. My mind was like a tangled mess of emotions I didn't know how to unravel. It was confusing and embarrassing, but at the same time, I couldn't deny that a part of me wanted to figure it out. It was just that I had no idea where to start.

For now, though, I'd focus on the exams. One step at a time. If I kept running every time I felt embarrassed, I'd never make it through the trials ahead. *Tomorrow, I'll handle things better,* I promised myself. And maybe, just maybe, I'd try to talk to Lee without running away.

"Tomorrow's another day," I whispered, closing my eyes as the day's exhaustion finally caught up with me. The futon was soft and warm, and I was falling asleep.