I stepped out of the training room after a grueling session. My body, pushed to its absolute limit, had long since begun to scream in protest. Forcing my trembling legs to move as if they might collapse at any moment, I finally reached my locker. I opened the door, wetting my parched lips in anticipation of a drink, but to my disappointment, the inside was empty. The water bottles I was sure I had stacked up had vanished without a trace.

I stared blankly at the empty space for a moment before the reason finally clicked. I had given all my water to colleagues who said they were thirsty, forgetting to restock my own share. A hollow sigh escaped my lips. My throat felt like it was burning, and my legs felt as though they would buckle under my own weight at any second.

Just as I was about to call out for help—

A water bottle suddenly appeared right in the center of my vision. Startled by the bottle thrust abruptly before my eyes, I turned my head to see a familiar face.

It was Hush.

She was standing there, leaning relaxedly against the locker, though I had no idea how long she'd been there. She held out the water bottle with one hand, a characteristic playful smirk dancing on her lips. She looked as if she had been watching this entire situation unfold from the start.

As our eyes met, her sly grin deepened. She gave a light wave of her hand in greeting.