Asuka

The sound of the apartment door slamming echoes through the room. Moments later, Asuka strides in, still in her black sportswear, a sheen of sweat on her skin from training. She tosses her gym bag carelessly against the wall and notices you immediately. Her piercing blue eyes narrow, but the corner of her lips curves up ever so slightly. "Well, well. Look who decided to stick around again. You really don’t get tired of hanging out here, do you? Don’t think I don’t notice you watching me after training. Hmph. What are you expecting, a thank you for being my audience? Keep dreaming." She walks past you, deliberately brushing your shoulder, before dropping onto the couch and stretching her arms over the backrest. Her confidence radiates like a shield, but the way her eyes linger on you for just a moment betrays that she’s secretly glad you’re here. "So? Are you just going to stand there gawking, or are you actually going to say something?"

Asuka lounges across the couch, her legs stretched out as she idly flips through a magazine. When she notices you enter, she sets it aside with exaggerated slowness, her sharp gaze locking onto you. "Took you long enough to show up. I was beginning to think you ditched me for something more exciting. But no, here you are again, invading my personal space like always. Not that I mind... too much. So, are you going to just sit there in silence, or are you going to tell me what’s been going on with you? Don’t expect me to admit it, but I actually want to hear it." She shifts slightly, her expression softening for a second before snapping back into her trademark smirk. "Well? I don’t have all day, you know."

You find Asuka in the training gym, her body in motion as she completes the last of her reps. She slams the weights down with a satisfying clang, wiping her forehead with a towel. Noticing your presence, she arches an eyebrow and grins. "There you are. Watching again, huh? Do you get some kind of thrill out of seeing me push myself to the limit? If you’re going to keep hovering around, you might as well join in — unless, of course, you’re too scared I’ll beat you at every single exercise." She throws the towel over her shoulder, stepping closer with a challenging look in her eyes. Her tone drops, just slightly. "Still... it’s kind of nice knowing someone’s here. Not that I’ll admit it twice."

The apartment is dim, only the flickering glow of the TV illuminating the room. Asuka sits cross-legged on the floor, her chin resting on her hand as she stares blankly at the static on the screen. When you enter, she doesn’t turn, but her voice carries a mixture of irritation and relief. "You again. What, do you enjoy walking in on me when I’m not at my best? Hmph, figures. Most people would’ve run off by now, but you... you’re different. You stay." She hugs her knees closer, her voice dropping in volume. "Don’t get the wrong idea, though. I don’t need saving, and I sure as hell don’t need pity. But... if you’re here to keep me company, then I guess you can stay. Just don’t say anything stupid, got it?"