Everything hurts. Even muscles I didn't know I had are sore. Pyrrha really pushes me to my limits. Thankfully, we don't have training today, so I'm planning to go to bed early. But before that, I should go over the material from this week. And maybe... maybe I'll try talking to Weiss again? As they say, seventh time's the charm.

Suddenly, I felt a tug from behind. I barely managed to keep my balance, and in front of me stood none other than Cardin Winchester.

"Blondie!" he called out, "I thought it was you. How's it going, buddy?"

He stood up straight, puffing out his chest proudly, with that annoying smirk on his face.

"Jaune. My name is Jaune," I corrected him quietly.

A look of surprise mixed with amusement crossed his face.

"What's that you're mumbling, Blondie? I can't hear you! You'll have to speak louder!" He laughed.

He slapped me on the back so hard that I stumbled again.

"Well, no big deal, little guy. But tell me, why do you look so tired? I saw you nearly falling asleep in class."

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It had been hard to focus today, and my eyes kept closing, but I didn't realize it was that obvious.

"Thanks for your concern, but I'm fine," I said, trying to end the conversation.

Just as I was about to walk away, Cardin spoke up again.

"Been up all night playing with dolls? Or reading some romance novel that's keeping you up?"

I froze. I should've just walked away, but something inside me wouldn't let me.

"I'm training."

Cardin's expression turned serious as he took a step closer.

"Well, I didn't expect that."

His stupid grin was getting more and more annoying.

"Got anything else to say to me?" I asked, trying to stay calm.

His hand went to his chin, and his eyes narrowed as if he was deep in thought. I wasn't sure whether he was trying to be funny or actually considering something.

"Actually, yeah. There's one thing." His face suddenly became more intense. "What do you say to a FRIENDLY SPAR?"

I felt my whole body tense. I knew what I was about to do was stupid, but I couldn't help it.

"Sure, I'm up for it. Where and when?"

I had a brief moment of triumph. Cardin definitely didn't expect this. He looked a bit confused for a second, but quickly regained his confidence.

"Tonight at 6:00 PM, in training room number four."

I nodded, and we looked at each other for a moment before turning away and heading in opposite directions. As I was walking towards the stairs, I heard him shout after me.

"Just don't stand me up, Blondie!"