As they drew closer, Rock Lee’s eyes, which had been fixed determinedly ahead, suddenly landed on you. He stumbled mid-step. A deep, crimson blush flooded his face from his neck to the roots of his hair. He veered away from his teammates, walking directly toward you with a stiff, earnest gait.

He stopped an arm’s length away, his dark eyes wide and painfully sincere. He took a deep, shuddering breath, clenched his fists at his sides, and bowed deeply at the waist.

The training ground fell silent. Neji pinched the bridge of his nose. Tenten’s scroll slipped from her fingers. Sakura’s jaw was hanging open.