Chapter 18: April Love Letter
The gentle April evening breeze blew softly, warm and tender. Nana sat by the window, gazing at the streetlights, feeling a sense of loneliness.
Suddenly, she heard rustling from the bushes outside. Looking up, she saw a familiar figure.
"Nana, I have a special gift for you this time," Shisui Uchiha said, holding up a box, his voice low to avoid disturbing anyone.
Initially, he often knocked on the door to visit, but Fugaku's looks grew strange over time. To avoid bothering the couple, he and Nana agreed on a signal from the tree.
"Shisui-nii, come in. They're not home today," Nana said, standing up excitedly and waving him over.
Shisui nodded, thinking for a moment before jumping through the window into her room.
Her room was clean and tidy, with a pink bed and two teddy bears. A pot of roses in the corner filled the room with fragrance.
It was his first time in a girl's room, and it felt soft and fragrant. He coughed nervously, making Nana think he was thirsty. She quickly took his hand and led him to a chair.
"Make yourself at home. Try my new tea," she invited, handing him a cup.
"Thank you... What a strange taste. What kind of tea is this?" Shisui asked, surprised.
"It's a special blend of Huangjing, Gongju, and other herbs, mixed with my chakra. It's one of a kind!" Nana's eyes sparkled as she explained, her playful nature shining through.
Shisui gazed at her tenderly, unable to look away, his smile growing.
"Shisui-nii, what's the gift you mentioned?" Nana asked, tilting her head cutely, holding out her hands.
"Ah, this... It's a special gift. I hope you like it..." Shisui said, trembling as he took out the box, his excitement making him blush.
Wait! This reaction... Is he going to confess? Nana panicked internally. If they started dating, how could she pursue others?
Shisui had been thinking for days about how to express his feelings. He was eager to be with her, making him restless at night.
He decided to take the first step tonight, confessing his love. Once he used Kotoamatsukami to stop the Uchiha coup, he would propose formally.
Under the moonlight, the remaining leaves rustled, and distant bird calls added to the peaceful, mysterious atmosphere.
After a busy day, Itachi returned home, puzzled to see Nana's room lit but not the living room. Hadn't she gone out with their mother?
He quietly walked up the stairs, planning to ask Nana, but stopped halfway, hearing a familiar male voice from her room. His brow furrowed, and he paused.
"This bracelet is from a mission in Bird Country. I hope you'll accept it," Shisui said, opening the box to reveal a high-quality jade bracelet.
Nana looked at Shisui's flushed face, then at the bracelet. She wasn't an expert but could tell it was valuable.
Shisui was serious. She lowered her eyes, hands clenched, hesitating.
"Nana, from the moment I met you, I was deeply attracted to your lively, sunny nature. I want to be by your side forever..." Shisui's face burned, his heart pounding, his fists clenched to control his emotions.
Nana's lashes trembled. His love was sincere and passionate. Through his eyes, she saw a vast sea, a peaceful world, a reflection of her pure self.
She admitted she was moved.
And with Shisui's favorability at 90%, would accepting his confession complete his route, reaching 100%?
"I..." Nana began, but was interrupted by hurried footsteps. She quickly opened the door to see a fleeing figure.
"Itachi-nii!" Nana put on her shoes and chased after him, leaving Shisui alone, feeling dejected. He stood, looking at the bracelet and the departing girl, a deep sadness welling up.
Itachi didn't know why he ran. As her brother, shouldn't he bless them? Why flee? He clenched his fists, leaning against the wall, eyes closed, trying to stop the tears.
"Itachi-nii..." Nana's usually sweet voice was now tense and hurt, like a confused puppy not understanding why her brother ran so fast.
Oh no, Nana thought, wanting to cry. She'd have to use all her acting skills to get through this.
Itachi tilted his head, feeling a lump in his throat. He calmed himself, reopening his eyes with his usual gentle demeanor.
Looking into her innocent eyes, he dismissed his earlier thoughts. She was too young to understand love, simply liking those who were kind to her.
But his words were also for himself. Perhaps her love for him was just familial affection.
"Sorry... Let's go home. It's windy," Itachi said, crouching to pat her head, then taking her hand to lead her back.
Nana felt uneasy. What was wrong? He didn't ask anything, acting as if nothing happened, but there was a strange distance.
Shisui had left, his favorability stuck at 90%, while Itachi's dropped from 80% to 70%, with no change.
Nana curled up in bed, feeling heavy and tired, tears welling up.
"077, I'm so tired."
"Host, want to watch cartoons?"
077 didn't understand. Her physical indicators were normal, but she said she was tired. Maybe it was the heartache it often heard about.
Cartoons? Nana perked up a bit. Though she appeared asleep, she was secretly watching Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf in her mind.
Why did Big Big Wolf love Red Wolf despite a lifetime of frying pans? What is home, what is love? Nana curled up on the sofa, hugging herself, her eyes filled with confusion.