"So your sparring partner is a she?" Nako said excitedly, leaning forward that I'm afraid she might fall face-first on the floor.

Hitomi's palm on her face. "Yes. For the eight-time, yes."

"What made you reveal it to us?" Yuri pouted, eyeing Hitomi curiously.

"Lost a bet with Minju."

Nako and Yuri snapped their heads in my direction. Their eyes glowing with delight. I scratch my nape and smiled sheepishly. Nako cheered and Yuri squealed as they both lunge at me with a hug. I stared at Hitomi with a kicked puppy face as I saw marks on , still feeling guilty. She then, in turn, smiled at me assuringly.

Nako and Yuri released me. "Where did you meet her then?" "Why are you keeping her a secret from us?" Nako and Yuri asked one after the other.

Hitomi stood up and waved her hand dismissively. "I'm not answering any of your questions anymore so don't bother me. I'm taking a shower."

"Oww. Unfair! I'll visit you in your shower!"

"Do whatever you want, Nako." Hitomi said tiredly, which made Nako writhe in frustration.

---

It was just the three of us, as Hitomi left the dorm early. We were heading to our respective classes. "See you at lunch guys!" Nako stated.

"What are you doing on your break?" I asked Yuri.

"Hmm. Library."

"Huh? Why?"

"Because. I don't want to face Hii in the exhibition tournament. I need to work double-time to level up. UGH!" She threw her arms in the air in frustration. "I hate this. I hate studying."

"Then just face Hii then." I laughed in between my sentence.

"Uhm. No, thanks. Just imagining it makes me pee my pants." She shivered as if the image of Hitomi fighting her flash