The movie theater was dim, with only the flickering light from the big screen casting shifting colors over the audience.
The movie had reached its climax, where Sasuke and Sakura protected Princess Gale and killed the Snow Ninja who came after her.
Rock Lee's body instantly tensed. His eyes went wide, his breathing quickened, and his hands unconsciously clenched into fists.
Neji keenly noticed the change in Rock Lee. His hand shot out like lightning and clamped firmly over Rock Lee's mouth; almost simultaneously, Tenten placed her hand over it as well.
If Tenten and Neji hadn't reacted so quickly, he probably would have leaped straight out of his seat and shouted in excitement.
"Mmph, mmph, mmph..."
Startled by the sudden restraint, Rock Lee let out a muffled grunt, his voice trapped in his throat and reduced to an indistinct whimper.
He instinctively struggled a few times, but Tenten's and Neji's hands stayed immovable as iron clamps.
The battle on the screen continued, explosions and music building a tense atmosphere, but the force restraining Rock Lee gradually pulled him back to reality.
He took several deep breaths, trying to calm his pounding heart, and his boiling enthusiasm slowly subsided.
A few seconds later, his body relaxed, and the fervor in his eyes gave way to apology.
Tenten and Neji exchanged a knowing glance. Only after sensing that Rock Lee had calmed down did they slowly release him.
Faint red marks from their fingers still lingered on Rock Lee's cheeks. He raised a hand to rub them, gave an awkward, sheepish grin, and whispered, "Sorry... I almost shouted again without thinking. Sorry for the trouble."
Neji withdrew his hand and glanced expressionlessly at the screen, its light reflecting a cool gleam in his white eyes.
"Focus on the movie," he replied