(Akari's POV)
The warm evening air was alive with the hum of the Natsu Matsuri. Konoha's streets were a cascade of colour, illuminated by lanterns that hung from every post and awning, their soft glow painting the village in hues of red, gold, and orange. The scent of grilled yakitori and sweet dango wafted through the air, mingling with the cheerful sound of taiko drums and the excited chatter of festival-goers.
I adjusted the diamond-shaped pin in my hair and the ornaments Shiina told me to wear earlier, alongside the Yukata as I walked, my pace calm and steady despite the lively energy surrounding me. Shiina bounded ahead, her golden hair catching the light of the lanterns as she turned to face me, her emerald eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Akari! Look at this!" she called, pointing to a nearby game stall where children were attempting to catch goldfish with delicate paper scoops. Her enthusiasm was infectious, though I remained composed as always.
"It's just a game," I replied, my tone even. "The odds aren't exactly in your favour."
Shiina pouted, crossing her arms in mock defiance. "Oh, come on, Akari! Not everything has to be about odds and calculations. It's about fun!"
Naruto's voice interrupted, louder and more boisterous than necessary. "Shiina's right, dattebayo! Festivals are about having a good time!" He sprinted past us, nearly knocking over a food stall in his excitement. Hinata trailed behind him, her cheeks already a faint shade of pink as she tried to keep up.
I sighed, shaking my head. "And yet he wonders why people call him a troublemaker."
Shiina giggled, looping her arm through mine as we continued walking. "That's what makes him Naruto, though. You have to admit, it's kind of endearing."
I didn't respond, my gaze drifting to the Shinobi that were around, hidden on the rooftops. The festival's vibrant energy was a stark contrast to the quiet tension that had been simmering beneath the surface of the village. I knew I had 2 years at least, but even more whispers of distrust in the Uchiha had been spreading since "someone" had leaked the information through rumours that Madara Uchiha was capable of controlling the Kyūbi.
Danzo was artificially creating more tension, though the festival masked the unease for now, it couldn't erase it. Not completely...
"Earth to Akari! You're spacing out," I blinked, turning to her. She was grinning, her teasing tone a reminder of the warmth she always brought to moments like this.
Adorable.
"I was just thinking," I said simply putting aside that strange thought for now.
"Well, stop overthinking and enjoy the festival! Come on, let's catch up with Naruto and Hinata before they leave us in the crowd."
I let her pull me forward through the crowd, her laughter mingling with the sounds of the festival, I felt my lips twitch upwards. Smiling, I decided that for now, I could push aside the thoughts of the village's underlying conflicts. Tonight was about furthering the bond between Naruto and Hinata's bond. With me as the ringleader.
(3rd Person POV)
The Natsu Matsuri unfolded like a vivid tapestry, each scene weaving a new moment of joy and camaraderie. The bustling crowd, the vibrant stalls, and the night sky lit by countless lanterns became the backdrop for a series of subtle, carefully crafted nudges that Shiina and Akari orchestrated to bring Naruto and Hinata closer together.
Naruto had dragged the group to a ring toss game, his competitive spirit ignited as he tried to win the largest stuffed animal on display—a giant, red toad like creature that had been a symbol of hope for Konoha. For reasons that were obvious.
Shiina leaned in toward Hinata, her voice a playful whisper, "Hey, why not cheer him on? He might try harder if he knows you're rooting for him."
Hinata's cheeks turned a deep crimson, but she nodded, clasping her hands nervously. "N-Naruto-kun, y-you can do it!"
Naruto paused mid-throw, turning back to her with a wide grin. "Thanks, Hinata-chan! Watch this—I'll get it for you, dattebayo!"
Akari stood back, arms crossed, her eyes glinting with amusement as she watched Naruto's determination skyrocket. He succeeded on his third try, proudly handing the toad to Hinata, who accepted it with a shy but radiant smile.
Later, they stopped at a stall where couples and friends could light floating lanterns and release them into the sky. Akari handed one to Naruto and another to Hinata, her expression unreadable but her tone unmistakably commanding.
"Work together on this. It's about balance—you need to hold it steady and light it just right."
Naruto scratched his head, looking unsure. "Balance, huh? Okay, Hinata-chan, let's do this!"
Hinata nodded, her movements tentative but precise as she adjusted the lantern with Naruto. Shiina nudged Akari, her grin mischievous. "You're really getting into this matchmaker role, aren't you?"
Akari glanced at her, a small, rare smile tugging at her lips. "Who knows?" Was her noncommittal reply.
When the lantern finally floated upward, Naruto and Hinata watched it rise, their faces glowing in the soft light. Akari allowed herself a moment of satisfaction, though she couldn't help noticing Shiina's expression as she gazed at the lanterns—serene, with a touch of wonder.
The group found themselves at a shooting gallery next, where Naruto eagerly took on the challenge of winning more prizes. Akari leaned casually against the stall, her usual stoic demeanour softened by the faint traces of humour in her eyes.
"You're terrible at this," she noted as Naruto missed his first two shots.
"I'm just warming up!" he retorted, puffing out his chest. "Hinata-chan, watch this—I'm gonna win you something amazing!"
Hinata's quiet giggle spurred him on, and on his last shot, he managed to knock down a row of targets, earning a small necklace adorned with a silver pendant. He handed it to Hinata with an exaggerated flourish, grinning ear to ear.
Shiina clapped her hands, beaming at them both. "You're getting better, Naruto! Maybe you'll win something for Akari next time."
Akari gave her a sidelong glance, the faintest hint of a smirk on her lips. "I don't need trinkets."
Shiina tilted her head, her emerald eyes sparkling with mischief. "You say that, but I bet you'd appreciate the effort."
Akari didn't respond, her attention momentarily shifting to the way Shiina's laughter lit up the night around her.
As the evening deepened, the group wandered to a quieter part of the festival, where fireflies danced among the trees and a small stage was set up for traditional dances. Naruto and Hinata had wandered off to watch the performers, leaving Akari and Shiina sitting on a bench nearby.
"You know," Shiina said, leaning back and gazing up at the stars, "I think we're making good progress with those two."
Akari nodded, her gaze following Naruto and Hinata as they stood side by side, the soft glow of lanterns framing them like a painting. "It's a start. But there's still work to do."
Shiina turned to her, her expression thoughtful. "You've been smiling a lot more tonight, Akari. It's… nice."
Akari blinked, caught off guard by the comment. "I wasn't aware I had been."
Shiina's grin widened, her emerald eyes alight with a mix of teasing and sincerity. "You should do it more often. It suits you."
"Maybe I will," she said softly, the words were a quiet admission as her heterochromatic orbs—black and blue—looked up at the sky.
(Akari's POV)
"Maybe I will," I say, looking up at the sky. The words weren't a promise, but an affirmation that I would smile around these 3 more... Shiina primarily.
Shiina's grin didn't fade. If anything, it grew brighter, like she was basking in the rare moment of openness from me. "You know, Akari, you surprise me."
I tilted my head, my expression calm but curious. "Surprise you? How so?"
"You're so... put together all the time. Like nothing fazes you," she said, her voice softening. "But then there are moments like this, where I can tell there's so much more going on beneath the surface. It's like glimpsing the stars behind the clouds."
I blinked at her words, unsure how to respond. They felt too intimate, too... true. "Stars behind the clouds, huh? That sounds poetic coming from you, Shiina."
She laughed lightly, brushing a strand of golden hair behind her ear. "Hey, I can be deep too, you know! But seriously, I'm glad you came tonight. It wouldn't have been the same without you."
Her words struck a chord, one I couldn't quite place. I looked at her, the lantern light casting soft shadows across her features. There was something about her—the way she always found the good in every moment, the way her laugh seemed to fill even the heaviest silences.
For a fleeting moment, I felt my heart quicken, a warmth spreading through my chest that I couldn't ignore. Again, what was this feeling?
I quickly averted my gaze, focusing instead on the distant performers. "It's just a festival," I said, my voice steady. "But I'm glad you're enjoying yourself."
Shiina leaned closer, her emerald eyes searching my face. "You don't give yourself enough credit, Akari. You're the reason we're all here tonight. You're the one who keeps us together."
I chuckled, "What would you all be without me?"
"In the words of my best friend. Who knows?" She was teasing me most certainly by using my usual words when I wanted to dodge a question against me.
I opened my mouth to banter more with her but before I could get a word out, the sound of Naruto's laughter drew both our attention. He and Hinata were heading back toward us, Hinata clutching the pendant he'd won for her and Naruto gesturing animatedly as he recounted some tale of his "amazing aim."
Shiina straightened, her usual cheerful demeanour returning. "Looks like they're having fun too. Mission accomplished, right?"
"Perhaps," I murmured, watching as Naruto and Hinata approached, their bond visibly stronger than before.
But even as the group reunited, the warmth in my chest remained, an unspoken question echoing in my mind.
What is this feeling? Why does it only happen when she's near?
The thought lingered like a persistent echo, refusing to be dismissed despite my attempts to rationalize it. The warmth in my chest wasn't foreign, but its source was unlike anything I'd experienced before. Shiina's laughter, her radiant smile, her unwavering kindness—they were all so... genuine. So pure in their simplicity that they stood in stark contrast to the cold, calculated world I had known in my past life.
But love? No. That couldn't be it.
It wasn't just that the idea seemed out of reach—it felt... inappropriate. My memories, my experiences, the remnants of who I had been before this life—they made the concept of love feel distant, almost alien. Even now, standing in the heart of the festival surrounded by warmth and light, the idea of romantic attachment felt like something for other people.
And yet...
My gaze shifted to Shiina, who was chatting animatedly with Naruto and Hinata, her golden hair catching the glow of the lanterns. There was a brightness to her that drew people in, a natural charisma that made the world feel a little less daunting. It wasn't just her presence—it was her essence, the way she made everything seem lighter, easier.
She was... special.
I calmed my breathing, to be even with ease. There was no point in entertaining the thought further. Whatever this feeling was, it didn't matter.
And yet, the question remained.
Could this warmth in my chest, this inexplicable pull toward Shiina, be a fragment of the person I was before the White Room hadn't stripped me bare?
I let out a soft sigh, my gaze drifting to the performers on the stage. The sound of traditional instruments filled the air, the melody weaving through the crowd like a thread binding us all together.
I remembered learning songs like Moonlight Sonata, Piano Sonata No. 29, Appassionata Sonata. and La Campanella in the White Room. Yeah, one of the things I was taught there was how to play classical music instruments like the Piano, Violin, Flute, Snare Drum, Trumpet alongside others like the Guitar.
Tea Ceremony, Calligraphy, even Flower Arrangement. I also remembered studying those back then.
I began thinking back on the question. What did I feel for Shiina, was it love?
This time, I decided to look at it from what I had read Love was like.
I leaned back on the bench, my arms crossed as I let the melodies of the performers fill the air around me. The question lingered, stubborn and insistent: Was this love?
Love, from what I'd read, was a multifaceted emotion, layered and intricate. It could be overwhelming or gentle, consuming or nurturing. It wasn't always logical, but there were common threads that wove through every depiction of it—threads I could analyse, dissect, and evaluate like any other problem.
I decided to approach it methodically, as if working through a checklist.
Does their presence make you feel at ease?
I glanced at Shiina again. She was laughing with Naruto, her voice carrying over the lively chatter of the festival. There was an undeniable ease in her company, a lightness that dulled the sharp edges of the world. When she was near, I didn't have to force myself to engage or adapt. With her, everything felt... natural.
So the first was a yes.
Do you think about them when they're not around?
Memories of Shiina often surfaced when I was alone, whether I was training, reading, or simply walking through the village. Her smile, her laughter, her boundless energy—they had a way of lingering, uninvited but not unwelcome. It wasn't just a fleeting thought; it was persistent, like the faint echo of a melody you couldn't quite forget.
The 2nd yes.
Do you want to protect them, even at personal cost?
The idea of Shiina in danger was... unsettling. I had already made a silent vow to ensure her safety, to keep her out of harm's way, at least as much as possible, and since I knew I couldn't at least not forever, then I'd give her every tool she needed to survive and protect herself. If I had to choose between her well-being and my own, the decision would be immediate. But wasn't that just what it is to care deeply for someone who mattered to you?
This yes was unclear if it's unique to her or extends to others I may come to care about in the future. But the overall conclusion was yes.
Do you want them to be happy, even if it doesn't benefit you?
I watched as Shiina moved to fix the proof of our bond in her hair, her smile soft and genuine. The warmth that spread through me at that moment was undeniable. Her happiness mattered—more than my own plans, more than any personal gain. Seeing her like this, carefree and radiant, was enough to quiet the noise in my mind. Does the idea of losing them feel unbearable?
The thought of a world without Shiina—a world where her laughter didn't echo in my ears, where her smile didn't light up the darkest corners of my mind—made my chest tighten. The idea wasn't just unpleasant; it was terrifying.
I exhaled slowly, my grip on the bench tightening as I processed the results of my internal audit. By all accounts, this should be love. And yet…
Why did it feel incomplete?
Why did it feel… numb?
Was this because I don't understand that emotion?
Love could be seen as both a blessing and a curse, depending on your viewpoints on it. In my case, those 2 viewpoints were unreachable to me. How could I view love as either of those 2 things, if I've never known love? What was it like to be loved? And what it was like to love?
No... that was not true, I knew what it was like to be loved. It was how I felt around Shiina, her warmth and kindness made that clear. She cared about me, loved me as a friend. The thought that she thought of me in only that way made my heart tighten, but it was true.
The pieces were all there, but the picture they formed was blurred, as if viewed through a fogged window. Was it because I didn't understand love? Or was it because I didn't want to understand it?
Shiina turned to me then, her emerald eyes meeting mine as she tilted her head in that curious way she always did. "Hey, Akari? Are you okay? You've been really quiet."
I blinked, pulling myself from my thoughts. "I'm fine," I said evenly, though the words felt like a half-truth.
She didn't look convinced, her gaze lingering on me for a moment longer before she smiled. "Want to go somewhere else for a while?"
She said, with a reassuring smile, and then, took my hand. She hadn't even waited for an answer. I adapted quickly enough to walk by her side. I let her pull me forwards in the same way she did earlier as I felt my lips twitch upwards into a smile.
Her need to lift my spirits was endearing. And I couldn't help but smile because of it.
[The Star has reached ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Social Link Ability gained: Luminous Resolve
Shiina's unwavering spirit becomes a beacon for those around her. While training or in combat alongside her, you and your allies gain a slight boost to endurance and recovery rates. Her presence has a calming effect, subtly improving focus and morale.]
That... honestly it fit her so well. Her resolve was strong, her spirit shined like a star. Naruto and Hinata were left alone to themselves, which would help fulfil the Quest as Shiina guided me away from the crowd and up a pathway to the Hokage mountain, "I heard there'll be fireworks tonight," She stated, "I want to watch them with you, and only you."
I felt heat rush to my cheeks as her words settled in. Watching fireworks together, alone? Was this... significant? My mind raced through possibilities, scenarios, and implications, all while her warmth radiated through the hand that still held mine.
The path to the Hokage Mountain was quieter than the bustling streets of the festival, the sounds of music and laughter fading into the distance. The soft rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze and the rhythmic crunch of our footsteps filled the silence between us. Shiina's hand remained lightly wrapped around mine, her warmth grounding me as we walked the path up the mountain.
When we reached the clearing atop the mountain, the village stretched out below us, its streets alive with the glow of lanterns and the distant hum of life. The stars above were faint but present, their light blending with the soft oranges and reds of the festival below.
Shiina released my hand and stepped forward, her emerald eyes reflecting the lights of the village as she gazed out at the scene. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" she said, her voice soft.
I stood beside her, my arms crossed as I looked out over the village. "It is," I admitted. The view was stunning.
Shiina sat down on the head of the Sandaime, part of it patting the spot beside her. "Come on, Akari. Sit with me. The fireworks should start soon."
I moved to join her, folding my legs beneath me as I settled in.
Shiina tilted her head back to look at the sky, her golden hair catching the faint light of the moon. "I love nights like this," she said quietly. "It feels like the world slows down for a little while, you know?"
I nodded, though my gaze remained on her rather than the view. "It's... calming," I admitted.
She turned to me, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "You're opening up more tonight, Akari. I like it."
"Don't get used to it."
She laughed softly, the sound like a gentle melody in the stillness. "Too late. I'm already used to it."
Before I could respond, the first firework lit up the sky, a burst of vibrant red and gold that reflected in Shiina's wide eyes. More followed, painting the night with brilliant hues that danced and shimmered before fading into sparks.
Words from a kind butler were remembered.
"Because, to me Fireworks produce a certain "Magic" that's hard to ignore."
I didn't fully understand those words back then even when I thought I knew what he had meant. Yet right now with Shiina by my side, Matsuo's words from all the way back, ran out in my mind like I was truly seeing the magic that I had only glimpsed at before.
Shiina leaned back, her arms supporting her as she watched the display with a smile of pure wonder. "This is perfect," she murmured, her voice almost drowned out by the distant booms of the fireworks.
I nodded, my gaze shifting between the fireworks and Shiina. "It is," I agreed, though I wasn't sure if I was referring to the fireworks or the moment itself.
The warmth in my chest returned, stronger than before, as I watched her. This moment—sitting beside her, away from the noise and chaos of the festival—felt... right. It was enough to simply exist in this moment with her.
"Thank you," Shiina said suddenly, her voice soft but sincere.
"For what?" I asked, not really understanding where she was going with this. Why would she suddenly thank me?
"For being here. For being you," she said, her smile softening. "I know you're not the most expressive person, but I can always count on you, Akari."
Her words hit me harder than I expected, the weight of them settling in my chest. I looked away, back at the fireworks. "You give me too much credit," I said quietly.
She shook her head, her voice firm but gentle. "No, I don't. You're amazing, Akari. You just don't see it."
For a moment, I didn't know how to respond. Her unwavering belief in me was... overwhelming, but it was also comforting in a way I couldn't fully explain.
As the show went on though, I couldn't tear my eyes away from the way her peridot orbs glowed with the colours that she watched, and her expression.
*Illustration here. Only available on the Webnoval version for those on AO3 or FF.Net. That image was the best I could get, by the way.*
Her expression was serene, yet conveyed so much childlike joy and wonder in a simple expression.
The sight of Shiina bathed in the glow of fireworks was captivating in a way I couldn't articulate. Her golden hair shimmered with each burst of light, framing her face like a halo, while her emerald eyes seemed to absorb the colours dancing across the sky. Her smile was soft, content, and entirely unguarded. It was a rare moment of vulnerability, a window into her unfiltered happiness.
I caught myself staring and quickly turned my gaze back to the fireworks, hoping she hadn't noticed. The warmth in my chest hadn't faded—it was stronger now, a steady rhythm that I couldn't suppress.
Another series of fireworks erupted, filling the sky with cascading sparks of silver and blue. Shiina sighed softly beside me, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's moments like this that make everything feel... worth it."
I glanced at her, my curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"
She tilted her head toward me, her expression thoughtful. "I mean all of it—everything we've been through, the struggles, the training... even the hard days. When you have moments like this, where everything feels peaceful, it makes you realize why you keep going."
Her words hung in the air, their weight settling over me. Shiina's ability to find meaning in the chaos was something I both admired and envied. For her, these simple, fleeting moments were enough. For me, they felt like pieces of a puzzle I couldn't complete.
"You really believe that?" I asked, my voice quieter than I intended.
She nodded without hesitation. "Of course. Life isn't always about the big victories, Akari. Sometimes, it's about the little moments that remind you why you're alive. Like tonight. Like this."
The sincerity in her voice was disarming, and for a moment, I didn't know what to say. I had spent so much time focusing on my plans, on achieving my goals, that I rarely stopped to appreciate moments like this. Moments that Shiina seemed to treasure so easily.
"I'll... keep that in mind," I said finally, the words feeling insufficient but genuine.
Shiina smiled, her gaze returning to the fireworks. "Good. I think you'll find it makes everything a little easier."
The display above us grew more elaborate, the bursts of light larger and more intricate as the show reached its climax. Each explosion was met with a chorus of cheers from the village below, but up here, it was just the two of us, the distant noise muted by the vastness of the night.
As the final firework exploded in a brilliant cascade of gold and white, Shiina let out a soft sigh, her shoulders relaxing. "That was amazing," she said, her voice filled with quiet awe. "Thanks for coming up here with me, Akari."
I turned to her, the faintest smile tugging at my lips. "Thank you for dragging me along."
She laughed, the sound light and free. "Hey, someone has to make sure you enjoy yourself once in a while."
Her teasing tone was familiar, comforting. For a moment, I let myself forget the complexities of my thoughts, the questions that had been circling in my mind for I had gotten close to the truth. For now, it was enough to sit here beside her, to share this moment of peace with her.
As the last sparks faded from the sky, Shiina shifted closer, her shoulder brushing lightly against mine. "You know," she began, her voice softer now, "I think this might be one of my favourite nights."
I turned my head slightly, catching her gaze. Her emerald eyes held a warmth that made my chest tighten. "Why's that?" I asked, my voice steady despite the whirlwind inside me.
"Because I'm spending it with you," she said simply, her smile gentle but unwavering.
The words struck something deep within me, a part of myself I had kept locked away. For a moment, I didn't know how to respond. My usual composure faltered, and I found myself caught in the weight of her sincerity.
Partly because of her statement, the other because... I had realised what she meant to me.
I pulled Shiina closer, enveloping my arms around her, "That makes the 2 of us."
Shiina stiffened in surprise at first, but she quickly relaxed in my embrace, her arms hesitantly wrapping around me. In return we just embraced each other this way. The warmth of her presence was overwhelming, soothing, and grounding all at once. Of course this hug had served a second purpose, it hid my eyes from her.
The world around me blurred, as Chakra entered into my optic nerves.
As for what was triggering this. I had come to the realisation that I had fallen for the girl I was now hugging. Something that created a storm of emotions inside me that I couldn't pinpoint, but most I could tell were positive. Some were negative, but those one's weren't prominent. Fear was one of those negatives yet was beaten out by the pure joy swirling inside of me right now, the excitement that swirled within me, and most of all love.
[You have awakened your Sharingan through the realisation of your emotions. Well done.]
[Skill Gained: Sharingan]
[Sharingan LVL 1/15: The Sharingan is the Kekkei Genkai of the Uchiha Clan and is one of the "3 Great Dojutsu" for good reason.
The Sharingan grants two broad abilities to the user: the "Eye of Insight" and the "Eye of Hypnotism". Although the abilities are not literally restricted to certain eyes. And even within these two categories, there exist several distinct though similar abilities:
The Eye of Insight allows the user to perceive chakra by assigning it colours based on composition and source, though it is less capable than the Byakugan. It can partially see through obstructions and detect irregularities in chakra flow, such as those caused by Genjutsu. With exceptional clarity of perception, the user can read lips, mimic precise movements, and track fast-moving objects. In combat, this ability enables the prediction of an opponent's next move based on muscle tension, along with the capacity to read and interpret hand seals to anticipate techniques. Additionally, the Eye of Insight allows users to copy and adapt Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, and Taijutsu with near-perfect accuracy.
The Eye of Hypnotism allows somebody to cast Genjutsu with mere eye contact performing what is known as "Sharingan: Genjutsu". This can allow the user to make someone dizzy, suggest thoughts or actions, coerce someone to divulge information or act in a peculiar way potentially without the victim's knowledge. However it can also be used to cast regular Genjutsu without the need for Hand Seals.
You have 1 Tomoe Sharingan. You drain 6 Chakra every second to keep it active. Whilst the Sharingan is active, your ability to perceive and react to movements is greatly enhanced, you can see Chakra giving it colour to see it, you gain the ability to copy E-D ranked Jutsu you see and you can use Genjutsu without Hand Seals.]
My vision had returned to normal rather quickly with the enhanced clarity the Sharingan provided me with, I simply cancelled the flow of Chakra to my eyes. It was pretty easy considering my current CC.
Pulling away I spoke, my voice softer than normal, "Let's head back to Hinata and Naruto," I might have said that, but I didn't want to let go yet.
Shiina tilted her head slightly, her gaze searching mine. Her cheeks were faintly pink, and her voice was soft, almost teasing. "Are you sure you're ready to leave already? We don't have to go just yet."
Her words made my grip falter for the briefest moment. A part of me wanted to agree, to stay here longer, savoring the warmth of her presence, the tranquility of the night, and the undeniable pull of the emotions I was only beginning to grasp. But another part—the part shaped by logic and discipline—urged me to maintain control, to tread carefully.
Still, letting go of her felt harder than it should have. I finally released her, my hands lingering at her shoulders before falling to my sides. "We should check on them," I said, my tone calm, though the words lacked conviction. "Naruto has a knack for getting into trouble when left alone for too long."
Shiina giggled, her emerald eyes sparkling with amusement. "True. But you're always so responsible, Akari. Sometimes, it's okay to just... enjoy the moment."
Her words lingered in the air between us, their weight settling over my thoughts. She wasn't wrong, and the sincerity in her voice made it all the harder to ignore. I nodded slightly, my lips curving into a faint smile. "You're right. Maybe I'll try that next time."
She grinned, her energy returning in full as she stood, brushing off her skirt. "Next time, huh? I'll hold you to that."
We began walking back down the path, the festival sounds growing louder with each step. Shiina kept close to my side, her presence grounding me in a way I didn't fully understand but didn't want to question.
The glow of the village lights grew brighter as we approached, the hum of life and laughter enveloping us once more. It felt like stepping from one world into another—a shift that should have been jarring but instead felt natural, as if the quiet moments atop the mountain were meant to blend seamlessly into the lively tapestry below.
"Hey," Shiina said suddenly, her tone lighter now, "do you think Naruto managed to win Hinata something else while we were gone? Or do you think he's still trying to figure out how the games work?"
I smirked faintly, imagining Naruto's exuberance and Hinata's quiet encouragement. "If I know Naruto, he's probably managed to do both."
Shiina laughed, her voice bright and infectious. "You're probably right. I hope we didn't miss anything too exciting."
As we rejoined the festival crowd, the sight of Naruto's unmistakable blond hair and Hinata's shy smile came into view. Naruto was animatedly describing something, his hands gesturing wildly as Hinata listened intently, her cheeks tinged pink.
Shiina nudged me gently. "Looks like they're doing fine without us," she said with a knowing smile.
I nodded, watching the scene unfold before us. For now, everything felt as it should be. The questions and uncertainties could wait. Tonight was about small moments, about connection and warmth, about seeing the magic in a world that too often felt cold and calculated.
And perhaps, just perhaps, about beginning to understand what it meant to let someone truly into my world.