Dark circles, Dark secrets

Hinata threw on a simple outfit in a rush—a hoodie and jeans—before opening the door again.

"Why are you here so early?" she asked, still rubbing sleep from her eyes.

Akira leaned against the doorframe, his hands in his pockets. "I need to buy a phone and some other stuff. I'm new here, so I don't know the place."

Hinata raised an eyebrow. "So you came to me?"

"You're the only person I know," he replied flatly.

She crossed her arms, pretending to think. "Hmm… Should I help you?"

Akira sighed. "I'll pay you back for yesterday's lunch."

That was enough. "Deal!" she said, grabbing her bag.

As they stepped outside, Hinata noticed something—dark circles under his eyes. He looked like he hadn't slept in days.

She wanted to ask but decided against it.

---

(The Train Ride)

The train was crowded, but they managed to find two seats together. The gentle rocking of the train, mixed with the morning calm, made Hinata's eyelids heavy.

Without realizing it, she drifted off to sleep—her head resting on Akira's arm.

Akira glanced down, slightly tense. He wasn't used to people being this close to him. But after a few moments, he sighed and leaned his own head back. Sleep took him too.

A few seats away, Sakura Rizoni watched with wide eyes.

The class monitor smirked, pulling out her phone. Snap.

She took a photo of them sleeping together, then tucked her phone away.

---

(The Market)

The streets were lively, filled with vendors calling out their best deals. Hinata led the way, occasionally pointing out places she liked.

Akira bought a phone, a charger, and some essentials. Meanwhile, Hinata picked up a few items of her own.

As they passed by a small toy shop, Akira suddenly stopped.

Without a word, he grabbed a small teddy bear and handed it to Hinata.

"What's this?" she asked.

"You lent me money yesterday. Consider this repayment."

Hinata blinked, then smiled. "That's kind of cute. Didn't know you had a soft side, Toizawa."

"Shut up."

Unbeknownst to them, someone else had been watching. Sakura's boyfriend, the class boxer, stood across the street, his eyes narrowing at the sight of them together.

---

(Evening Return)

By the time they got back to their apartment building, the sky had turned shades of orange and pink.

"Today was fun," Hinata said, stretching. "Thanks for the teddy."

Akira didn't reply, simply looking up at the sky. His face was unreadable, as always.

Hinata yawned. "Anyway, see you later!" She waved as she entered her apartment.

Akira stood outside his door for a moment before finally going inside.

The day had been strangely… peaceful.

But something in his chest felt unsettled.

---