A warm dinner, an awkward accident — and a moment that leaves lingering ripples in the quiet night.
"Boss, my place is just up ahead!"
Yuanhai jogged ahead cheerfully, leading the way, with Adrian Voss and Shizune following behind.
Adrian carried a small bag of fruit and drinks. Showing up empty-handed at someone else's home never felt right to him.
Although they'd been seatmates for years, this was Adrian's first time visiting Yuanhai's house. It was a tidy two-story building — and to his surprise, the ground floor doubled as a small flower shop.
"Mom! I'm home!"
Yuanhai's voice rang out brightly as he reached the entrance.
"Welcome back!"
A gentle voice answered from inside. Moments later, a graceful woman stepped out from the back door. Her hair was neatly tied up, her skin fair, her features soft and kind. She wore a simple home dress that looked modest but well kept.
"Mom, these are my classmates," Yuanhai said proudly. "This is Adrian — my boss — and this is Shizune."
Being introduced so formally in front of a parent made both Adrian and Shizune straighten reflexively.
"Good evening, Auntie. Sorry to bother you," they said politely.
"Oh, don't be silly," she replied warmly, waving her hands. "Call me Aunt Remei. Yuanhai talks about you two all the time. His father passed away early, so I'm really grateful you've looked after him at school."
Her smile carried genuine relief and gratitude.
"I've wanted to invite you over for a long time to thank you properly. I'm so glad you finally came. Make yourselves at home."
She turned toward Yuanhai. "Take your friends upstairs to rest. Dinner will be ready soon."
Yuanhai nodded eagerly. "Come on, Boss. Let's go upstairs. It'll be ready fast."
Before moving, Adrian handed over the bag. "Aunt Remei, these are for you."
She looked surprised. "Oh my, you didn't have to bring anything! Yuanhai, why would you let your friends spend money?"
Yuanhai scratched his head. "I told him not to, but Boss wouldn't listen."
"It's just a little something," Adrian said with a polite smile. "Nothing expensive. Please don't scold him."
"Well, aren't you a thoughtful child," Aunt Remei said kindly.
They exchanged a few more polite words before heading upstairs.
Yuanhai's room was small but clean — far neater than Adrian had expected. Yuanhai proudly showed it off like a trophy.
As the sky darkened, the aroma of food drifted up from the kitchen.
Dinner was simple but plentiful. The dishes were neatly arranged, warm and inviting.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. Let's eat," Aunt Remei said as she placed the final dish on the table.
"Thank you for the meal," Adrian and Shizune said together.
Adrian, who had trained hard all afternoon, quickly revealed his impressive appetite. He focused entirely on eating, while Shizune chatted lightly with Aunt Remei. Yuanhai followed Adrian's lead, eating with enthusiasm.
"Don't just eat one dish," Aunt Remei laughed, helping them to more food. "Try this one too."
Adrian nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Auntie."
During the meal, Adrian accidentally bumped a spoon near the edge of the table.
Clatter.
"Sorry!" he said quickly, bending down to pick it up.
"I'll get it," Aunt Remei said at the same time.
Thump.
Their heads lightly bumped as they both reached for the spoon at once.
"Ouch…"
Aunt Remei lost her balance slightly, and Adrian reacted immediately, steadying her before she could fall.
"Mom!" Yuanhai exclaimed.
"Are you okay?" Shizune asked anxiously.
"I'm fine," Aunt Remei said after a moment, touching her forehead. "Just startled."
Adrian let out a small breath of relief. "Sorry, Auntie. That was my fault."
She smiled reassuringly. "It's alright. Accidents happen."
They returned to their seats, the brief chaos quickly settling back into calm. The rest of dinner passed smoothly, though the atmosphere felt just a little more awkward than before.
After finishing, the three thanked Aunt Remei again and prepared to leave. With their first official missions starting the next day, they didn't stay too late.
"Thank you for the meal!" Yuanhai said happily.
"Come again anytime," Aunt Remei replied warmly.
The walk home was quiet and peaceful.
For many new graduates, that night was a restless one — excitement and nervousness tangled together as they stood on the threshold of real shinobi life.
Adrian lay awake longer than usual, staring at the ceiling, thoughts drifting.
Tomorrow, everything will truly begin.
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