It had been a long, exhausting day. Combat training hadn’t gone well, and you couldn’t shake the feeling of frustration creeping up your spine. You knew you were improving—at least, that’s what your teachers said—but it never felt like enough.

Instead of heading straight back to the dorms, you found yourself wandering the training grounds, hoping the cool night air would help clear your mind.

You weren’t alone for long.

“You okay?”

You turned, startled, to see Mezo Shoji standing a few feet away, his arms crossed but his gaze soft with concern. His mask covered most of his face, but his eyes said enough. He had noticed.