Chapter 8: Sunset Cats and You
In the morning, Matsumoto Nana sat idly in the yard, sipping tea. Uchiha Itachi had left early on a mission, and Sasuke and Aunt Mikoto had gone to the market, leaving the large house empty except for her.
Why not go out and explore? It's better than sitting around like a couch potato, she thought. Without further ado, she put on her shoes, opened the door, and dashed out.
"Ouch!" In her excitement, she couldn't control her speed and collided with a firm chest as soon as she opened the door, clutching her head in pain.
Nana's anger flared, her face scrunched up. She looked up to see who had such bad timing to block the door.
"Sorry! Sorry! Are you okay?" Uchiha Shisui quickly knelt, apologetically rubbing her forehead. His eyes were filled with panic, not expecting their reunion to start this way.
"Are you here to see Itachi-nii? Unfortunately, he's out on a mission," Nana said, her rising anger fading as she recognized him, though her tone was still a bit gloomy.
"No... I came to see you..." The boy suddenly became shy, his body stiff and his face turning red.
Nana blinked, noticing the many sweets in Shisui's other hand, scratching her head in confusion.
"Uchiha Shisui's current favorability: 50%. Keep it up, Host!" 077's soft voice echoed in Nana's mind.
"Host! This boy is gentle and sunny. Hurry and win him over!" 077 excitedly urged in Nana's mind.
"Win him over? You're not mentioning the risk of this backfiring!" Nana mentally scolded 077.
077 pouted, feeling wronged. It didn't understand human emotions or the risk involved.
"Are you going out? I'll join you." Shisui noticed her hesitation and bravely extended his hand, risking success or failure in this moment.
Nana looked into Shisui's hopeful eyes, and her internal struggle lasted only three seconds before melting away. Sorry, but I can't resist such charm.
Host, you double standard! You said it was risky! 077 could only sulk in the corner.
"Alright, Shisui-nii, I was about to go out for a walk." Nana nodded, taking his hand.
Shisui's body trembled as Nana's hand touched his, feeling like a faint electric current passed through him, his heartbeat quickening.
The sun began to set, its light filtering through the leaves, casting beautiful hues across the sky.
Time flew by as they shopped at various stores and enjoyed many street snacks.
Finally, while buying tempura, the shopkeeper mentioned stray cats often seen on the mountain. With age, she could no longer care for them and didn't know their current state.
Hearing about the cute kittens, Nana's eyes brightened. She turned, her large, watery eyes meeting Shisui's.
Her delicate face seemed to say three words:
I. Want. To.
"Alright, I'll get some cat food." Shisui smiled, his voice clear and affectionate.
As soon as the shopkeeper spoke, he knew Nana would want to go, so he listened carefully and remembered the location.
Lush grass and vibrant flowers adorned the fields and hills, spreading their fragrance.
They found the cats' gathering place, but the cats were wary. Nana placed the cat food nearby, gently coaxing them out.
A tabby cat cautiously led the way, ears pricked, slowly approaching and sniffing the food.
Soon, one, two, then four or five cats emerged, but an orange cat limped painfully, meowing with each step.
"That orange cat looks hurt!" Nana instinctively tightened her grip on Shisui's hand, worry in her eyes.
"Don't worry, we'll check it out." Shisui comforted her. In this wild environment, the cat likely got attacked by another animal.
The cats soon warmed up, rubbing and playing with Nana and Shisui.
Nana gently channeled chakra to heal the injured orange cat. The wound was fresh, likely from a recent animal bite.
Shisui watched the girl in the sunset, finding her not just pure and beautiful but also kind and gentle, bringing warmth and comfort.
He wished time could stop here, without conflicts or worries, just the two of them, feeling the wind and embracing the sunshine.
Shisui's eyes remained on the girl, yearning for this moment's happiness to last forever.
The healing was effective; the cat was as good as new, its fur even shinier.
Nana dusted off and told Shisui it was time to go back, or Itachi would worry.
Her words snapped Shisui out of his daydream, his smile fading briefly before returning.
"I'll take you home," Shisui said, taking her hand.
"Okay." Nana didn't refuse, feeling safer with him as night fell.
Unknowingly, they walked back to the village and the Uchiha district.
Near Fugaku's house, Shisui suddenly hugged Nana tightly, ignoring her gentle struggle, burying his face in her shoulder, cherishing every moment.
Nana instinctively resisted but then relaxed against his warm chest, hearing his steady heartbeat, her thoughts scattered.
"Sorry, did I hurt you?" Shisui's voice was hoarse and fragile.
"No... it's okay." Nana blushed, confused by the sudden embrace.
"Can I come see you often?" Shisui asked slowly, his voice trembling slightly, fearing rejection.
"Of course, Shisui-nii, come whenever you want." Nana thought briefly, then tiptoed and whispered softly in his ear.
A sudden breeze tousled her hair, revealing her pure, flawless face, her blush fading slightly in the wind.
Shisui's pupils trembled, their gazes meeting, the world quiet, leaving only their heartbeats.
"Uchiha Shisui's current favorability: 65%. Keep it up..." 077 quietly reported in Nana's mind.
It didn't want another loving punch for a wrong word, feeling like the most pitiful system ever. 😢