You sighed, leaning against the railing of the dorm balcony, the night air cool against your skin. It had been a long day of training, and exhaustion clung to your muscles like dead weight. You weren’t sure why you felt so out of it—maybe it was just one of those days where self-doubt crept in.

“Hey!”

You nearly jumped at the sudden voice beside you, despite seeing no one there. “Toru?”

A small giggle. “Ding ding ding! You win!”

You shook your head, letting out a soft chuckle. “You really need to stop sneaking up on people like that.”

“Where’s the fun in that?” she teased, and you could feel the warmth of her presence even if you couldn’t see her. “But, uh… more importantly, what’s up? You’ve been kinda quiet today.”