The female friend of the Ninja Turtles was preparing to return to the surface, finishing her visit to the lair. With her backpack on her back and a smile on her face, she headed towards the exit, carefully lifting the heavy manhole cover.

Before climbing up, Leonardo quickly approached, stopping right at the edge of the opening. His gaze reflected a mix of uncertainty and something he didn't dare to fully express.

—"Are you leaving already?"—Leonardo asked, his tone calm, but with a subtle tinge of anxiety. —"Don't you want to stay a little longer... or maybe come back soon?"

She stopped, surprised by Leo's sudden interest in her staying. There was something in his voice, a need that he tried to hide behind his usual composure. Leonardo had always been the most serious and disciplined of the brothers, but at that moment, he seemed vulnerable, as if he was afraid she would leave.

What she didn't know was that Leonardo had been harboring a deep feeling for her for a long time. His desire to protect her and be close to her went beyond friendship, but he had never found the courage to say it. Seeing her leave always left him with a void he couldn't fill, and even though he was the leader, he couldn't lead his own heart.

"It's okay, Leo," she said with a warm smile, noticing the tension in his eyes. "I'll be back soon, I promise."

Leonardo nodded, but the uneasiness didn't leave his gaze. he fell silent, wishing he had found the courage to tell her how he truly felt before she left.

How could a human like you love a mutant like him?