"Boruto, what are you doing…?" Sarada asked softly, her voice trembling slightly.
"What am I doing? What do you think?"
Boruto's lips curved into a faint smile as he looked down at Sarada sitting at the edge of her bed.
"Boruto, I… I need some time to calm down. We—" Her words carried hesitation, a mix of fear and longing.
Seeing her downcast eyes, Boruto nodded gently.
"Alright then, I'll go," he said, turning toward the window.
Just as he took a step, he glanced back at her—only to find Sarada still watching him.
"I'm really leaving now," Boruto added, this time walking away without hesitation, his steps steady and calm.
Sarada watched his figure disappear into the night, emotions swirling inside her.
She remembered the warmth and security she'd felt in Boruto's arms when they'd fallen asleep together—the quiet laughter they shared during training, the teasing, and the rare, tender moments that belonged only to them.
Her mind drifted back to a conversation she'd had not long ago with Sumire Kakei.
That day, Sarada had led Sumire deep into the woods, where the two stood in a quiet clearing.
Their faces were still streaked with tears.
Sarada released Sumire's hand and looked her straight in the eyes. Sumire, however, kept her head lowered, too ashamed to meet her gaze.
"Sumire," Sarada began softly, "I knew from the start that you liked Boruto too."
Sumire's head snapped up, eyes wide with surprise. "Sarada, you… you knew?"
"At the Ninja Academy, the way you looked at him—it was exactly how I used to look at him before I confessed." Sarada sighed gently.
"Honestly, who didn't know you liked Boruto back then?"
Sumire blinked, her face flushed with embarrassment. "Sarada… I—"
"You're beautiful and gentle, Sumire. If I were a boy, I would've pursued you a long time ago," Sarada said, smiling faintly.
"Ah, Sarada, don't say that," Sumire stammered, flustered.
"I mean it," Sarada said, her tone turning playful.
"If I were Boruto, I'd chase after Sumire Kakei in a heartbeat. Why would he like a girl like me—glasses, short hair, all awkward since childhood?"
She ran her fingers through her now-long hair, laughing softly at herself.
"Don't talk about yourself like that," Sumire said sincerely. "I think you looked beautiful back then too—glasses, short hair, and all."
"Really? You're the second person to ever tell me that." Sarada smiled, her eyes softening.
Then she took a step forward and gently held Sumire's hand. "You like Boruto, and I like him too. I can't leave him—but if it's you, Sumire, we can face this together."
Sumire's eyes immediately reddened again. She bit her lip, holding back tears.
"But that's not fair to you, Sarada," Sumire whispered. "I… I want Boruto too, but I don't want to lose you as my friend."
"And I also really like you, Sumire," Sarada said softly, twirling a strand of Sumire's purple hair around her finger.
"Sarada…"
Sumire suddenly hugged her tight, sobbing into her shoulder.
Sarada gently stroked her back. They stayed like that for a long time, until Sumire finally calmed down.
When they pulled apart, Sumire still had tears in her eyes, though she fought to hold them back.
"Sarada… thank you for forgiving me."
"We're friends, aren't we?" Sarada smiled, wiping away her tears. "And maybe Boruto actually—"
But Sumire interrupted her, shaking her head. "No. I don't hope Boruto will like me. I just… I just want us to stay friends like before."
"Mm." Sarada smiled warmly. She looked at Sumire's blushing face—and suddenly leaned forward to kiss her cheek.
Sumire froze, her face instantly turning crimson. "S-Sarada! What are you doing?!"
Sarada laughed brightly, a mischievous gleam in her eyes. "You're too cute, Sumire. I couldn't resist."
Sumire shyly looked away, her blush spreading all the way to her ears.
Sarada giggled again. "Still, Boruto's got it too easy, doesn't he?"
Sumire hesitated before replying, "Boruto's just… too amazing. Sometimes, I feel like I'm not worthy of him."
"Yeah… Boruto has always been like that," Sarada agreed softly. "But that's why we have to work hard—to become strong enough to stand beside him."
Sarada's thoughts returned to the present as she stared at the door Boruto had just walked through.
"Sigh… I really can't leave him," she murmured.
"I'm sorry, Sumire. Boruto's just too captivating. I couldn't keep my promise to wait until I became stronger…"
Her voice trembled. "Boruto… don't go."
Boruto froze at the window, a faint smirk curling at his lips. "Heh. Little one, I've got you completely wrapped around my finger."
He turned back, walked quickly toward her bed, lifted the blanket, and slid in beside her.
Sarada blinked in shock. "Boruto, you… I just wanted to talk—this is my house!"
Boruto didn't reply. He simply lay there, quiet and calm.
Sarada sighed deeply, her heart caught between helplessness and affection. "Boruto… what about Sumire?"
Boruto glanced at her lazily. "What about her?"
"Do you like Sumire?" she pressed.
"Why are we talking about this all of a sudden?" he asked, looking genuinely puzzled.
"Don't dodge the question! Sumire even gave you her first kiss!" Sarada blurted out.
Boruto blinked. "What are you talking about?"
"I…" Sarada hesitated, biting her lip. "Boruto, you should go see Sumire tomorrow."
Boruto frowned. What the hell? I didn't even do anything, and now Sarada's telling me to go to Sumire? Is this what being a scumbag feels like?
"Sarada, are you sure you know what you're saying?" he asked seriously.
"Of course I do," she said firmly. "If it's just Sumire, then fine."
Her voice softened slightly. "But if you try flirting with any other girls, I'll—"
"Oh? You'll what?" Boruto asked with a teasing smile.
"I'll… I'll never talk to you again!" Sarada huffed, turning her head away in mock anger.
Boruto chuckled quietly, gazing at her fondly. "You're impossible."
...
Author's Note:
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