Xin leaned his chin on his hand, casually kicking the couch where Tsunade was sprawled out without a care in the world.
"Knowing how stubborn Nawaki is, I'd say you'll have a hard time staying out of it, whether you like it or not."
"Damn it..." Tsunade shot up from the couch, slapping the cushion in frustration. "Why do I have to clean up his mess just because he wants to chase some girl?"
"Because you're his sister!" Xin burst into laughter.
Tsunade clenched her fists, her teeth grinding. She was itching to hit something.
"Don't give me that look like you're about to punch someone. My head hurts just thinking about how Nawaki's going to keep pestering me to help him arrange dates."
Honestly, why did Nawaki have to drag him into this? The kid's plan was absurd.
He didn't want Xin to give him advice. Instead, Nawaki wanted Xin to arrange for Suzune to come out, and then naturally Meiko would follow. Nawaki figured that would give him a chance to spend time with Meiko.
Xin seriously considered cracking open Nawaki's skull to see what was going on in there. The plan was ludicrous.
Speaking of which, Tsunade's anger dissipated as her curiosity piqued. Her wide eyes blinked as she asked, "So, are you going to help him?"
"Pfft! Cough!" Xin nearly choked at the question.
"You two are crazy. I'm not that insane yet. Do you even realize how strict the Hyuga are? Trying to arrange for one of them to marry outside the clan is like slapping their whole family in the face!"
"But what if Nawaki really does like this Meiko girl?" Tsunade asked, tilting her head.
"Then I-"Xin started to say I'm not helping with that! but found the words wouldn't come out.
As frustrating as it was, he couldn't deny how close he felt to both Tsunade and Nawaki. They were his friends, his family in a way. If Nawaki needed his help arranging a meeting, Xin knew deep down he wouldn't be able to say no.
So, instead, he waved Tsunade off, muttering, "Go home and get some sleep. Stop bothering me."
"No way! I'm sleeping here. Not only am I staying, but I'm taking your bed! If you've got the guts, go steal mine!"
"...."
Xin stared up at the ceiling, utterly speechless as Tsunade marched straight into his bedroom.
If it were any other girl, he might have been amused. But Tsunade? Forget it. Her room was a disaster zone so messy even Nawaki avoided it. There was no way Xin was sleeping in that pigsty.
Xin often said Tsunade was lazy enough to neglect her own personal space, and it wasn't slander. It was the truth. When it came to day-to-day life, she was a total slob.
Oh well, he figured. He'd just have to make do with the couch for tonight.