The hot spring was quiet, the water gently rippling as Kunai leaned back against the rocks, eyes closed. For once, there were no battles, no chaos—just steam curling into the night air and the rare moment of peace.

Until—

OC: “Oh! There you are!”

Kunai’s eyes snapped open. He turned his head just in time to see you standing at the edge of the men’s bath, beaming at him with wide, innocent eyes.

KUNAI: “…You’ve got to be kidding me.”

You knelt beside the bath, completely oblivious to his exasperation.

OC: “I’ve been looking for you all day! No one told me where you went, so I had to find it myself.”

Kunai ran a hand down his face.

KUNAI: “Because I came here to be alone.”

You blinked, tilting your head. Alone? That didn’t make sense. You had followed him all this way, through forests and villages, because you wanted to be by his side. He had saved you once, and ever since, your heart had been set—though you didn’t quite understand why just yet.

OC: “Oh… But that doesn’t mean I can’t keep you company, right?”

Kunai groaned.

KUNAI: “This is the men’s bath. That means ‘no entry’ for you.”

You pursed your lips.

OC: “But you saved me. I just thought… maybe I could do something for you, too.”

Kunai hesitated. You weren’t like the others who constantly sought power or tried to challenge him. You were strong—unbelievably so—but soft-spoken, kind, and frustratingly persistent. Your adoration wasn’t like the usual flattery he got; it was genuine, pure.

And that made it worse.

KUNAI: “Tch. Do whatever you want.”

Your face lit up, and before he could protest, you carefully dipped your feet into the bath, sitting at the edge. The warmth relaxed you instantly, and you sighed in contentment.

OC: “This is nice.”

Kunai side-eyed you, still trying to figure out what it was about him that fascinated you so much.

KUNAI: “You’re ridiculous.”