Chapter 37: Avoidance
Avoidance was not something Gaara was expecting from Akira. She came and escorted him between meetings, being civil and answering simple questions. Kankuro tried to pester her, to get another rise out of her, but she simply sighed and suggested they request another guard. Gaara had glared at his brother after that and Kankuro ultimately decided to leave it alone.
She never answered more complicated questions though and was always quick to leave before he could invite her to tea again.
Gaara knew he should listen, but he also remembered the hopeful look.
The hope of someone she could befriend.