After his brief exchange with Ino, Hyuk didn't dwell on it. He didn't care about the confrontation or the ongoing tension in the air. He simply wanted a break from the constant scrutiny. Stepping outside the arena for a bit, he walked through the halls, looking for a way to spend some time before the next match.
As he rounded a corner, he noticed Anko Mitarashi leaning casually against the wall. She wasn't paying attention to anything in particular, clearly slacking off and avoiding her responsibilities. She caught sight of Hyuk and grinned, her usual mischievousness lighting up her expression.
"Well, if it isn't the ice boy," Anko teased, pushing off the wall and crossing her arms. "Looking for some fun?"
Hyuk returned her grin with a faint smirk. "Maybe I am," he replied. "What about you, slacking off again?"
Anko shrugged, completely unbothered. "Everyone's busy with the exams. I figured I could use a little downtime."
The two shared a moment of silent understanding. Hyuk found it amusing to see her slacking like this, and Anko, always playful and bold, didn't seem to mind Hyuk's presence.
Anko raised an eyebrow at him. "So, what are you doing here? Avoiding something?"
Hyuk's expression remained calm. "Not avoiding. Just taking a break."
Anko chuckled, stepping closer. "Well, I guess we both know how to find the quiet spots. What now, ice boy?"
Hyuk leaned casually against the wall, his eyes glinting with a hint of amusement. "We could always find something interesting to do."
Anko grinned, understanding his meaning perfectly. "Sounds like a plan."
The two remained together, the atmosphere between them filled with a mix of amusement and mutual understanding. They didn't need words to express the shared confidence they had in each other's company. Hyuk and Anko, both sharp and unafraid of bending the rules, enjoyed their moment of fun, knowing they'd both return to their respective roles soon enough.