As evening drew near, the rain stopped.
Outside the Hokage's Office, Rin wandered around alone, repeatedly glancing toward the office upstairs.
Shallow puddles had formed on the ground. From time to time, she lightly set her shoe on the water's surface, not daring to put any force into it.
"Waiting for me?"
Zhen's voice suddenly rang out, startling her into splashing the previously calm water beneath her feet.
Rin straightened up and looked at Zhen, who had just emerged from the Hokage's Office. She casually pointed in another direction.
"I... was just passing by."
She gave an excuse even she herself did not believe. What place could she possibly be passing through that led her to the entrance of the Hokage's Office?
Rin's gaze darted about. She did not even know what she was avoiding.
"Then let's take a walk together," Zhen offered.
"Okay..."
Zhen took the first step forward, and Rin hesitated before following him.
"Are... are you getting married?" she suddenly asked.
"Kamado gave you all the invitations, right?"
"Yeah, he gave them to us during dinner."
"Remember to come when the time comes," Zhen said.
"Why are you getting married so early... I mean, aren't you only in your teens too?"
Rin pursed her lips as she spoke. "Was it... an arrangement by your clan?"
It was as if she were actively making excuses for Zhen, her eyes constantly turning toward him.
Zhen smiled. "I'm the head of the Hyuga Clan. Who could arrange my affairs?"
"I just felt it was time to get married, so I'm getting married. And the girl is someone I like very much."
"..."
Rin fell silent, though only for a brief moment.
She suddenly laughed softly. "Everyone was really surprised to hear you were getting married. Too bad you weren't there