Temari really hadn't expected Shikamaru to be so bold—to actually invite her to a hot spring bath.
Standing in front of the entrance to the hot spring inn, she hesitated, her face slightly flushed, heart beating faster than usual. She tried to steady herself.
"Shikamaru… are we really going to…" she trailed off, gesturing toward the steaming baths.
She couldn't help thinking that even a simple barbecue date wouldn't normally lead to this. Why would anyone take a woman to a hot spring?
Shikamaru, calm as ever, offered a small smile and looked at her. "Ah… yes. We're here. Is something wrong? You don't… like it?"
Temari immediately shook her head, waving her hands in quick, nervous gestures. "No, no, no! It's not that I don't like it! I just… it's a bit…" Her voice trailed off, embarrassment coloring her words.
Shikamaru frowned slightly. "What's the matter?"
Temari's cheeks turned even redder, and she muttered inwardly, Does this guy really not understand, or is he pretending not to? Why is he looking so calm?
Seeing her discomfort, Shikamaru assumed she must be troubled about something. With his usual logic, he quickly made a decision. "Forget it. I won't insist on the bath."
Originally, he had thought that living in the desert meant Sand Shinobi Village likely had limited water resources. Inviting her to experience a hot spring seemed like a harmless gesture.
"But now… it seems we should just forget it and leave."
Temari, overhearing this, hurried to correct his assumption. "No, Shikamaru! That's not it. I'm not refusing… I just… I'm a little embarrassed. It's not… I mean, you could be more assertive like before!" she muttered, flustered.
Shikamaru paused mid-step, turning back with a raised eyebrow. "What?"
Temari sighed, a mix of exasperation and shyness in her tone. "I really don't understand what you're thinking. I'm just tired. I ran all the way to Konoha and… well, I thought a bath might help me relax."
Taking a deep breath, she walked toward the inn, Shikamaru trailing silently, frowning. Women are really difficult, he thought, shaking his head. They say one thing and mean another…
Once inside, they were greeted warmly by a young woman in a kimono at the front desk.
"Hello, and welcome to the hot spring inn. Are you two… together?" she asked with a bright, friendly smile.
Temari hummed softly, glancing at Shikamaru for confirmation. He nodded. "Ah… yes, we are together. Well… that is…"
Before Shikamaru could clarify, the attendant interrupted cheerfully. "We happen to have a couple's package today. It's more cost-effective than two separate packages for the same price. Would you like to try it?"
Shikamaru waved his hands in quick denial, his voice flustered. "No, no! We are not… what?!" He tried to explain that their relationship wasn't romantic, that they were merely friends and fellow shinobi traveling together.
Temari, however, heard the words "wash together" and her imagination ran wild.
Sand Shinobi Village, being in a desert, had very limited water resources. Public hot springs like this did not exist, and the concept of bathing together in a shared space was foreign to her. Her mind raced. Do we actually… have to wash together? Does that mean we have to… share everything?
Her ears burned, cheeks deepening in color, breaths coming faster. She couldn't believe their first date had escalated this far already.
Meanwhile, Shikamaru continued to explain patiently to the attendant that they weren't a couple and would prefer the standard separate packages.
The young lady, observing their shyness and interaction, smiled knowingly. From her perspective, this was a classic scenario: a man and woman clearly interested in each other, yet too embarrassed to admit it. The red blush on Temari's face only confirmed her suspicions.
"Well," the attendant said thoughtfully, "it's obvious you two are hesitant. I understand. I'll lead you to our couple's bathing package. You can change your clothes here, and then enjoy the private hot spring hall."
Temari nodded and went inside, still flustered.
Shikamaru paused at the doorway, puzzled. Why isn't there a sign indicating male and female baths?
The attendant smiled reassuringly. "Come in, sir. The facility was recently renovated. You'll see that the baths are separated inside."
Shikamaru followed, wrapping a towel around his waist. Once inside, he immediately noticed the mist rising from the water and the inviting aroma of the hot spring.
He stepped forward cautiously, only to be surprised. Temari was already there, seated in the water, wrapped in a white towel, seemingly waiting for him.
"Ah! Temari, why are you here?" he exclaimed, startled.
Temari, having anticipated his arrival, remained still, her nerves visible. She had assumed the baths would be shared, based on the attendant's words.
Shikamaru, thinking he had entered the men's section, was utterly confused. How did she get here already?
Temari, covering herself with the towel, finally spoke. "Why aren't we going to the baths together? I thought… I'd have to be here."
Shikamaru scratched his head, his face showing equal parts shock and confusion. "Ah?! Wait, I didn't… I thought we had separate sections!"
Her patience thinning, Temari stood, holding the edge of the pool to steady herself. "Shikamaru, what are you thinking? You brought me here. The staff said we were supposed to wash together, so don't act so innocent!"
Shikamaru raised his hands in a defensive gesture. "I… I didn't know! There must be a misunderstanding!"
Temari's foot slipped on the wet edge, and before Shikamaru could react, she tumbled backward into the pool with a loud splash.
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