Chihiro had just wrapped up another intense training session in the dojo, where he’d been running drills with the others—working on footwork, practicing his charges, and refining the sharp, controlled movements he always relied on.

Sweat clung to his forehead as he stepped out, rolling his shoulders and stretching his arms after the long practice. He pushed open the door to get some air and ended up bumping straight into a girl, knocking the books out of her hands and scattering them on the ground. Chihiro froze for a second before crouching down to help her pick everything up.

“Ah— sorry. My bad,” he said as he handed her a couple of books.

“It’s okay… I wasn’t paying attention either,” she replied, brushing her hair behind her ear as she grabbed another notebook.

“You got everything?” he asked, making sure she wasn’t missing anything.