CHAPTER 17
Hinata stirred slowly, her body aching in places she hadn't even realized could ache. A dull, pleasant soreness reminded her of something, though her hazy mind struggled to catch up. Her eyelids felt heavy as she blinked groggily at the unfamiliar ceiling above her. The light of morning was soft, gently filling the room, and for a moment, everything felt distant, like a dream she couldn't quite hold onto until—
Last night.
The memories came rushing back all at once, leaving her breathless.
Her face turned crimson as she sat up abruptly, clutching the edge of the blanket around her. Every detail played in her mind like a film—Sasuke's hands, his lips, the way he'd looked at her with an intensity that left her powerless.
And the stamina. Dear heavens, the stamina.
Her inner fangirl, whom she had spent months locking away, broke free with dramatic flourish. Of course, the great Sasuke Uchiha would be unmatched in everything, including… that.
Her face turned impossibly red as she buried it in her hands, muffling a quiet squeal. It felt like he was testing my limits on purpose. How unfair!
Her body was still tingling, both from exhaustion and the lingering warmth of him. His endurance is…
Her thoughts spiraled further until a soft sound broke through her internal meltdown—the faint creak of a door opening.
She froze, her hands falling from her face as her gaze snapped toward the corner of the room. Steam wafted out into the cool air, a telltale sign of a freshly finished shower.
Then he appeared.
Sasuke stepped out of the bathroom, towel slung loosely around his shoulders, droplets of water still sliding down his toned, bare chest. His dark hair was damp and tousled, strands sticking to his forehead, making him look even more effortlessly perfect.
Her breath hitched.
Time seemed to slow as her wide lavender eyes took him in—the sculpted lines of his abdomen, the sharp cut of his jaw, and the way his gaze landed on her with that quiet intensity that made her stomach flip. Why is his trousers hanging dangerously low?
She quickly looked away, her face burning all over again.
Sasuke, oblivious to her internal panic, grabbed his towel and began drying his damp hair, running it through the strands with practiced ease. After a moment, he tossed it aside, finally speaking. "You're awake," he said calmly, as though they were discussing the weather.
She swallowed hard, her voice embarrassingly squeaky as she replied, "Y-Yes. Good morning, S-sasuke"
He raised an eyebrow slightly at her flustered state, his lips twitching faintly as though amused. "Are you feeling alright?"
She clutched the blanket tighter, forcing herself to meet his gaze. "I… I'm fine," she said quickly. Except I didn't get enough sleep and I ached all over, she added in her mind, her cheeks remained flushed.
He stepped closer, his dark eyes studying her for a moment longer than necessary. "You should rest more. You're clearly tired."
Tired? Her face turned an even deeper shade of red.
Sasuke, noticing the sudden shift in her expression, frowned slightly, as though realizing what he'd just implied. He looked away with a small huff, his ears almost imperceptibly pink.
"Forget it," he muttered, turning back toward the door. "I'll make breakfast."
Hinata watched him leave, her heart hammering in her chest as she collapsed back onto the futon, clutching the blanket over her head.
Did that really just happen?
Her inner fangirl squealed again, this time uncontained. I spent the night with Sasuke Uchiha. I… I can't believe it. This time, it was different. They hadn't just shared a bed on a mission, she had actually spent the night with him. The thought sent her heart racing all over again.
Her cheeks were sore from smiling, and she couldn't contain her excitement. Grabbing a pillow, she screamed into it, her joy bubbling over.
Wait, he didn't hear that, right? she thought, forcing herself to calm down. She tried to focus, recalling his calm, almost cold behavior.
I guess I shouldn't expect much, she told herself. It's not like he'll start being sweet after just one night. But the thought of him being sweet nearly made her inner fangirl explode again.
She scrambled to gather her scattered clothes, her hands shaking as she bundled them together and darted toward the bathroom. The door clicked shut behind her, and she exhaled sharply, pressing her back against the cool wood.
Her heart was pounding as she made her way to the mirror. The sight that greeted her made her inwardly shriek.
Her hair was a mess, wild and tangled in a way that betrayed the chaos of last night. She reached up to try to smooth it, only for her eyes to catch something faint on her neck. Narrowing her gaze, she stepped closer to the mirror, tilting her head to examine herself.
Her lavender eyes widened in horror.
"H-Hickies…" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
There were so many! Soft blotches of red and purple trailed down her neck and collarbone, disappearing beneath the blanket she was clutching. She also spotted bruises, remnants of when Sasuke couldn't restrain himself last night. Her cheeks turned scarlet, and she quickly covered her face with her hands.
"This is so obvious! What if someone sees?" she mumbled to herself. Her face burned as she sank to her knees, clutching the blanket to her chest. "This isn't real. I'm dreaming, right?"
She tried pinching herself, wincing at the pain. It hurt, this had to be real, and the evidence was undeniable.
She forced herself to stand and turn on the bath, the sound of rushing water grounding her as she tried to calm down. She examined her clothes, her eyes narrowing as she inspected the tears and rips.
These are ruined beyond repair!
It was a clear sign of how impatient he had been last night. She bit her lip, flustered. Could I have been the one who tore them? Her face turned an even deeper shade of red. She shook her head vigorously, stepping into the shower to clear her thoughts.
The warm water did little to soothe her embarrassment, but she emerged feeling somewhat cleaner—albeit not calmer. She wrapped herself in a towel and glanced at the torn remnants of her clothes. They were unusable.
What now?
Quietly, she tiptoed back into the room, her damp hair dripping slightly as she peeked around the corner. Sasuke was nowhere to be seen. The bedding was slightly rumpled, a reminder of last night's… events. Desperate, she spotted the neat stack of his clothes folded near the edge of a drawer. She hesitated, her fingers hovering above one of his shirts.
He won't mind… right?
Before she could second-guess herself, she grabbed a black shirt and pulled it on quickly. It was far too big for her, the hem falling to the middle of her thighs and the sleeves swallowing her hands, but it smelled faintly of him—clean, cool, and something uniquely Sasuke.
She quickly fixed the bed, smoothing out the wrinkles and straightening the pillows, hoping to make everything look at least a little more presentable.
She caught her reflection in the windowpane and groaned softly, tugging at the collar. This is so embarrassing… If he sees me like this...
Clutching the hem of the shirt, Hinata whispered to herself, "This is fine. This is totally fine. I just need to act normal."
After all, we're engaged, she reminded herself. It's natural. We're adults… This is what happens. Still, a nervous flutter twisted in her stomach as she tried to steady her racing thoughts.
She just spent the night with him and her heart still hadn't recovered.
Hinata hovered uncertainly in the doorway to the kitchen, clutching at the hem of Sasuke's oversized black shirt. Her damp hair fell softly around her face, strands brushing against her flushed cheeks as she shifted her weight nervously.
He was standing with his back to her, moving with quiet precision as he prepared breakfast. The soft clink of utensils and the sizzle of food on the pan filled the otherwise silent space. Why is he still half-naked?
She swallowed hard, willing herself to speak, but the words died in her throat. What should I say?
Before she could decide, he turned, seemingly aware of her presence. He froze mid-motion, the spatula in his hand forgotten as his gaze settled on her.
Hinata blinked, shrinking slightly under his silent stare.
His dark eyes flicked over her—the way his shirt swallowed her small frame, the sleeves hanging past her hands, and the hem brushing dangerously high on her thighs. She looked ridiculous, like a child wearing clothes three sizes too big, yet…
Something about it made his chest tighten.
Cute.
The word slipped into his mind without permission. His brows furrowed slightly. And… seductive?
He blinked sharply. Wait. He'd never imagined he'd use those two words in the same sentence, yet here she was, standing there, tugging at the edges of the shirt as if she could somehow make it longer.
The contrast unsettled him more than it should have.
Hinata, flustered by his silence, blurted out in a small voice, "I-I'll help!"
Before he could respond, she stepped quickly into the kitchen and moved toward the stove. Her bare feet padded softly across the wooden floor as she came up beside him, her presence both timid and determined.
"You're burning it," she said quietly, taking the spatula from his loose grip and rescuing the eggs he had momentarily forgotten.
He turned slightly, his gaze following her. He didn't argue, simply stepping back to let her take over. His arms crossed as he leaned against the counter, watching as she focused on the food.
The moment was simple, quiet. But then his eyes landed on something that made him still. As she turned slightly to reach for a plate, the back of the shirt shifted, revealing the large red-and-white Uchiha clan symbol proudly emblazoned across the fabric.
His mind suddenly went blank. The sight of her, standing there in his shirt—with his clan's symbol on her back—made something clench deep within his chest. It wasn't anger, or annoyance, but something more visceral. More possessive.
He didn't understand it. Why does this bother me?
Oblivious to his internal turmoil, Hinata plated the eggs with careful movements before turning to glance at him over her shoulder. "The food's ready," she said softly, managing a small smile.
He didn't reply immediately. He was still staring at her, the way the Uchiha crest sat comfortably at her back, as if it belonged there. Finally, he pushed off the counter and moved toward the table, his usual stoicism settling back into place. "Hn," he muttered, sitting down.
Hinata followed, setting the plates in front of them. She hesitated for a moment, then carefully slid into a seat across from him.
She was about to take her first bite when her gaze caught something—suspiciously red on his collarbone. Her eyes trailed down, and she noticed more scattered across his chest. Her chopsticks slipped from her fingers, falling with a soft clink onto the plate.
Sasuke watched as her expressions shifted—from curiosity to confusion to shock, and then to something more. Her face flushed a deep red, her eyes widening in embarrassment as she quickly averted her gaze, her hands nervously twisting in her lap.
He followed her gaze, smirking when he saw what she was looking at. "You were pretty bold last night," he said, his voice low, laced with amusement.
Her face turned even redder, her hands trembling slightly as she reached for her chopsticks again, trying to hide the flustered expression. Her heart was pounding in her chest, and she couldn't help but feel self-conscious under Sasuke's piercing stare.
"You—" She cleared her throat, her voice barely above a whisper. "Y-You're one to talk. I saw myself in the mirror earlier..." She trailed off, unable to hide the embarrassment creeping up her neck.
His smirk deepened, his eyes narrowing as he leaned back in his chair, arms crossing over his chest. "I didn't think you'd mind," he said, his tone teasing, but with a hint of something else. "Seems like you liked it."
She could have sworn by now there were smoke coming out of her ears, the heat from her blush only intensifying with every bite. Why couldn't he just wear a shirt? She couldn't help but wonder, her mind racing. Is he really like this at home?
Despite herself, she couldn't help but glance up again, her gaze involuntarily drawn to him. Her heart did a thousand somersaults. Sasuke was only eating his food, but it was impossible to ignore how his muscles flexed with every move he made. The way his arms shifted as he held the chopsticks, the subtle definition in his shoulders and chest—
"Hinata," she flinched when his voice broke her train of thought. "If you keep looking at me like that, I'll have to give you a reason to keep staring," he said, his tone low and dark, though there's a hint of amusement creeping in.
The words sent a rush of heat through her, and her breath caught in her throat. Did he really just say that? She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, desperately trying to regain control of her racing thoughts. Sasuke, however, seemed completely unfazed, continuing his meal with that same effortless composure, as if he hadn't just made her heart race wildly.
"I'd like that," she murmured, her words barely audible, yet somehow, he caught them. His eyes flickered toward her, and though his expression remained unreadable, his gaze sharpened slightly.
His eyes narrowed, "You're going to regret that."
She already did the moment they left her lips. She didn't know what in the world came over her. She stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor. "I-I need to go home," she muttered, her voice shaky as she pushed away from the table.
But he didn't let her escape so easily. He stood up slowly, his gaze never leaving hers, and without a word, he moved toward her with an almost predatory grace.
Her heart raced as she instinctively took a step back, but she quickly found herself backed into the counter. Her pulse quickened as his form loomed closer, his presence overwhelming.
He placed his hands on the counter, trapping her between his body and the cold surface behind her. She felt a rush of heat flood her cheeks, her breath quickening, as she instinctively leaned back as much as she could, trying to put some distance between them.
Sasuke, unbothered, leaned in even closer, his lips dangerously near her ear. "You'll break your back like that," he said, his voice a low, seductive whisper. "But then again, I know how flexible you are."
She froze. What the hell happened to the cool and aloof Uchiha? She couldn't wrap her mind around the change in his demeanor. It wasn't like she was complaining—not at all—but her heart wasn't prepared for this.
She screamed inwardly, her thoughts spiraling into chaos. What is he doing? Why is he acting like this? He's not seriously thinking of doing that again, is he? I mean, I want that too, but not this soon… maybe tomorrow?
She tried to steady herself, to find her voice, but the weight of his proximity, the heat of his words, and the way he was looking at her—it was too much. She couldn't help but shiver as her body reacted, even though her mind was in complete turmoil.
"W-wait! I can't— I don't—" Her breath hitched as she felt his lips gently brush against the sensitive skin of her neck, sending shivers down her spine. His touch was slow, deliberate, as he trailed small, teasing kisses along her jaw, making her pulse race with each movement. She couldn't help the soft moan that escaped her throat.
Sasuke bit down on a particularly sensitive spot on her collarbone, and she gasped, her body involuntarily tensing as a wave of heat washed over her. Before she could fully react, he lifted her effortlessly, placing her gently on the counter, his hands gripping her waist.
Her thoughts went completely blank, her mind struggling to catch up with what was happening. Instinctively, her hands found their way to his hair, tangling in the dark strands as she tried to steady herself.
"You smell good," he murmured against her skin, his arm snaking around her waist, pulling her closer.
Hinata, still in a haze, whispered, "It's just your soap." The words slipped out before she could stop them.
"Hn," he grunted, he responded almost absently. Then he leaned to kiss her. His lips met hers, and his grip on her waist tightened, anchoring her in place as his other hand slid up her back.
Her heart was pounding so hard she was sure he could feel it. Instinctively, she responded to his kiss, her lips moving against his with equal eagerness. Sasuke groaned softly, the sound vibrating against her, making her knees feel weak as her fingers threaded through his hair. The warmth of his lips, the firm but gentle hold he had on her, it was almost too much for her to handle.
But then, suddenly, he stiffened. His body tensed, and he pulled back slightly, his breath uneven. "Dammit," he muttered under his breath, running a hand through his hair in visible frustration.
She blinked, confused and dazed, still trying to process everything that had just happened. Before she could ask, he gently helped her down from the counter, his touch careful despite the unreadable expression on his face. He stepped back, his jaw tightening as though fighting an internal battle.
"This better be worth my time," he muttered darkly, his voice laced with irritation. He turned toward the kitchen doorway just as the door flew open with a resounding bang, the force rattling the frame.
"TEME!" Naruto's voice boomed through the house, loud and brash, completely unaware of the moment he had just interrupted.
Sasuke stood in the doorway, arms crossed, his expression cold. "Don't you fuckin' know how to knock?" he growled, his voice dripping with annoyance.
The blond, completely unfazed, blinked at him. "Huh? Since when do I have to knock?" he said casually, then froze mid-sentence as his gaze shifted to Sasuke. His eyes widened slightly as he took in the sight: Sasuke's tousled hair, his shirtless state, and the unmistakable red marks scattered across his neck and chest—marks that Naruto could've sworn weren't from bug bites. He narrowed his eyes, his expression shifting from confusion to disappointment, mixed with a trace of indignation.
"You aren't cheating on Hinata-chan, are you?" He asked, his voice filled with disbelief and anger, though his concern for Hinata was clear.
Sasuke shot him a look, one that clearly said, You're seriously asking me that?
Naruto ignored the look and continued, his voice laced with frustration. "I saw Hinata-chan yesterday, and she was looking for you. What the hell is going on? I know you've been here the whole time. Look, if you aren't serious, you might as well break this engagement—" his voice trailed off when a small voice interrupted him.
"Uhm, hello, Naruto-kun." Hinata's head peeked out from behind Sasuke, her cheeks slightly flushed and her eyes wide, clearly embarrassed by the situation. The sight of her caught Naruto off guard, and he blinked in surprise.
Blue eyes blinked again, this time in stunned silence, as he processed the sight of her hiding behind Sasuke, trying to shrink into the background. His previous indignation melted into something like realization, mixed with a touch of confusion. He scratched the back of his head, trying to come to terms with what he had just barged in on.
"Wait, Hinata-chan... you're, uh, you're...?" He couldn't seem to finish his thought, his words caught somewhere between surprise, awkwardness, and relief. His eyes flickered back to Sasuke, then to Hinata, then back to Sasuke again, as if trying to piece together some kind of explanation. The pieces weren't exactly fitting.
Sasuke, his expression still calm but now tinged with a hint of irritation, straightened his posture. His eyes narrowed as he looked at the intruder, his tone dismissive. "Now that we're clear you can leave, Naruto. Lock the door on your way out, and next time—knock on the damn door."
Naruto's mouth twitched into a sly smile as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Alright, alright, I'll go," he said, backing away slowly. "But Hinata-chan, you should head out too. Neji's gonna go ballistic if he finds you here." His eyes darted between the two of them one more time, his face still wearing an expression of disbelief. "Seriously, though—take care of her, Sasuke."
She felt the heat rise to her cheeks again, she nodded with a small, shy smile. "I'll go. Thank you, Naruto-kun."
He gave her a thumbs up before he turned to leave, his voice trailing off as he called back, "You owe me one, teme!"
The door clicked shut behind him, and the house was silent once again. She stood there, still a little dazed from the whirlwind of emotions and the awkward encounter. She looked up at Sasuke, who was leaning against the doorway, his eyes unreadable.
"Well, I should... go, too," she muttered, her voice small. "I didn't… go home last night. They might be worried," she added quietly, her eyes darting to the side as if avoiding his gaze might lessen the embarrassment.
He gave a small nod, his voice calm but dismissive. "Then go."
That's it? She thought, blinking in surprise. She wasn't sure what she had been expecting, but his cold indifference stung more than she cared to admit, especially after what they had just been doing before Naruto had barged in.
"R-Right," she said softly, her fingers curled around the hem of the shirt again, tugging it down as far as it could go. This is so awkward. But then a realization hit her like a kunai to the chest, how am I supposed to go home like this?
Her clothes were torn beyond repair, a casualty of last night's… activities. The shirt she wore barely covered her thighs, and if she walked through the village like this, the rumors would spread faster than wildfire. What do I do?
He raised an eyebrow at her hesitation. "What's wrong?"
Her face burned as she turned slightly, clutching the edge of the shirt like a lifeline. "I… I don't have anything to wear."
There. She said it.
Sasuke blinked, clearly caught off guard for a brief moment. His eyes flicked to the shirt she wore, the Uchiha crest displayed proudly on her back and shoulders, before returning to her flushed face.
"You don't have clothes?" he repeated, his tone neutral but tinged with something she couldn't place—mild confusion, perhaps?
"They… they're ruined," she admitted, her voice growing softer. "Beyond repair."
His brows furrowed slightly, his mind working as he processed her words. Then, as the memory of the night before surfaced, his lips pressed into a thin line. Had it been him, impatient in the heat of the moment? Or… had she done it herself in her own rush? The thought left him uncharacteristically flustered, though he managed to keep his expression stoic.
A silence stretched between them. She wanted to sink into the floor, to vanish entirely, but his reaction wasn't what she expected. He exhaled quietly, turning to go back inside his room. "Wait here," he said simply.
When he returned, he handed her a pair of black pants—a little too big for her, but better than nothing—and a clean sash she could use to keep them in place. Along with them, he passed her a smaller shirt, the fabric soft and plain, but fitting enough to make her feel more at ease.
"Here," he said, his voice casual, though there was a faint hint of something unreadable in his eyes. "This should work for now."
She nodded. "T-Thank you." She hurried back into the bathroom to change, her thoughts racing. She tugged on the pants, folding the waistband down and tying them in place with the sash. The fabric was baggy, hanging awkwardly on her frame, but it was better than running through the village in his shirt alone.
Sasuke was waiting for her by the table, now wearing a shirt, when she came back. His posture was relaxed, but there was something in his expression that made her hesitate. He was looking at her with that unreadable gaze, and for a moment, it felt like he was waiting for her to say something.
"I'll... head out now," she said softly, her voice faltering slightly as she clutched her hands together. She turned to leave, but before she could step out the door, he caught her wrist.
Her heart skipped a beat as she turned to face him. His grip was firm, but gentle, and when she met his dark eyes, he cleared his throat, a hint of discomfort in his usual calm demeanor.
He quickly put his hands in his pockets, as if trying to brush off whatever was in the air between them. "Be careful," he said instead.
She blinked, a flutter of warmth rushing through her at the softness in his words. She nodded quickly, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I will. Thank you... for everything, Sasuke."
He opened his mouth, as if to say something more, but then he closed it again, the words remaining unspoken. With a brief, almost reluctant nod, he turned away. As he did, she caught a fleeting glimpse of something—an emotion, maybe—that he quickly masked behind his usual stoic expression. It made her heart race again, but she couldn't quite pinpoint why.
This man...
Her smile grew wider as she watched him. How can he be so adorable? she thought, her heart fluttering. Before she could stop herself, she stepped closer, raised herself on tiptoe, and placed a quick, soft kiss on his nose.
"I'll see you later, okay?" she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Before he could even respond, she bolted toward the door, her cheeks flushed.
Once outside, she pressed her hands to her warm cheeks, trying to calm her racing heart. Be still, my heart, she thought, biting her lip to hold back the smile that threatened to break free. She could feel the giddy excitement bubbling up inside her. I can't wait to see him again.
As she walked through the compound, her thoughts were filled with him, her heart light and full of anticipation. Every step felt lighter than the last, and even though she tried to suppress it, she couldn't stop the smile that crept onto her face.
She touched the edge of the sash, a quiet thought slipping through her mind. It almost feels like he cares.
But before she could overthink it any further, the Hyuuga compound came into view, and reality hit her like a bucket of cold water.
The sun had risen fully by the time she stepped through the gates of the Hyuuga compound. Despite the serene appearance of the estate, her heart raced nervously. She had rehearsed her explanation repeatedly on the way home, but no amount of preparation could settle her nerves.
They're going to notice something is off.
She tightened her grip on the sash around her borrowed pants, the oversized fabric swishing awkwardly as she hurried toward her quarters. She had almost made it unnoticed when—
"Hinata-sama."
She froze mid-step. She turned slowly, her pale lavender eyes widening as she found Neji standing there with his usual calm, unreadable expression. His sharp gaze flicked downward, taking in her appearance—the oversized pants, the slightly rumpled shirt—and narrowed slightly.
"You've been gone all night," he said, his voice even but suspicious. "Where were you?"
She opened her mouth to answer, but her brain supplied nothing coherent. "I—I…" She forgot what she practiced!
Neji crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing further. "What happened to your clothes?"
He noticed that too?!
"I—there was an accident," she blurted quickly, her cheeks flushing crimson. "On a mission."
He raised an eyebrow. "You weren't assigned a mission yesterday."
She swallowed hard. Think, Hinata, think!
Before he could question her further, a new voice chimed in.
"Neesan!"
Hanabi appeared down the hall, her usual carefree expression quickly replaced with curiosity when she saw her disheveled state. "What are you wearing?" she asked bluntly, stepping closer and eyeing the oversized pants. "Are those… Uchiha clothes?"
Her face turned beet red.
Neji's gaze sharpened immediately, his expression darkening ever so slightly. "Uchiha? Sasuke Uchiha?"
"Why would you have his clothes?" her younger sister teased, a sly smile tugging at her lips as she leaned closer to inspect the fabric. "Did you spend the night at his place?"
She flinched at the question, stammering out, "N-No! It's not what you think!"
But her flustered reaction only made Hanabi's grin widen. "It is what I think, isn't it?"
Neji's brow furrowed deeply, his posture turning stiff. "This is no joking matter, Hanabi." His attention returned to Hinata. "Explain."
"I-It's not what it looks like!" She protested, practically shrinking under her cousin's sharp stare and Hanabi's teasing smirk. "There was… a situation. My clothes were ruined, and Sasuke-san let me borrow these."
Neji looked unconvinced, but Hanabi gasped dramatically, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oho! So you were with him all night!"
"H-hanabi!" she squeaked, clutching at her borrowed sash as if it would somehow save her from this conversation.
The younger Hyuuga laughed, clearly enjoying herself. "Wow, I didn't know you had it in you, Neesan. You're engaged, but to do something like that before the wedding... and with Sasuke Uchiha? I'm impressed!"
"Hanabi, enough," Neji cut in, though his disapproval was evident. He turned back to Hinata, his expression softening slightly, though it remained stern. "You should have returned home sooner, Hinata-sama. You had everyone worried."
"I'm sorry, Neji-niisan," she said quietly, bowing her head. "It won't happen again."
Neji studied her for a moment longer before sighing. "Go clean up and rest. We'll speak later."
She nodded quickly, taking her opportunity to escape as she hurried down the hall to her room, Hanabi's laughter echoing faintly behind her.