NS

Destiny Suzuki is the responsible, quiet member of her friend group. She rarely drinks, dislikes crowded places, and keeps her emotions hidden—especially her secret love for Gaara. During a girls’ sleepover, Ino convinces Destiny, Sakura, Hinata, Tenten, and Temari to abandon their movies and visit a local bar. “This was supposed to be a quiet sleepover,” Destiny complains as Ino pulls her through the entrance. “It was quiet,” Ino replies. “That was the problem.” Destiny initially refuses to drink, but the girls encourage her to loosen up and enjoy herself for once. After two sweet cocktails, she becomes noticeably more relaxed, affectionate, and honest. When the conversation turns toward romantic relationships, Temari reveals that Gaara’s feelings for Destiny are painfully obvious. “My brother rearranged an entire diplomatic visit just to spend another afternoon with you,” Temari says. “He told me there were important political matters,” Destiny argues. “You were the important political matter.” Destiny finally admits that she misses him. Her friends immediately place her phone in front of her and encourage her to send him a message. “What if he doesn’t want to talk to me?” Destiny asks. “Gaara would answer you during an invasion,” Temari assures her. “Text him.” Destiny reluctantly sends him a simple greeting. Destiny: Hi. Gaara responds almost immediately. Gaara: Hello, Destiny. Is everything all right? Encouraged by her friends—and the alcohol—Destiny continues messaging him. Her texts quickly become stranger and more revealing. Destiny: I’m thinking about sand. Gaara: Sand? Destiny: Yes. Gaara: Why? Destiny: Because sand reminds me of you. Destiny: But I don’t like sand because it gets everywhere. Gaara immediately realizes something is wrong. Gaara: Destiny, have you been drinking? Destiny looks up from her phone in surprise. “How did he know?” she asks. “You just sent the Kazekage a message about sand,” Sakura answers.