A pair of enchanting eyes curved into delicate crescents as Haku spoke softly, "Hello. I really like your eyes."
"Oh? You do?" Naruto stepped closer and knelt down, draping his jacket gently over her shoulders.
"It's getting cold, you'll catch a cold like this."
"Mhm."
Haku's joy was unmistakable, written all over her face.
"Come on, let's get you up."
He reached out and took her small, soft hand in his, a warm and cheerful smile on his face.
"…Okay."
With a light nod, Haku let Naruto help her to her feet.
But the moment she stood up, her legs gave out. She hadn't eaten properly in days.
Her body wobbled and collapsed forward, straight into Naruto's arms.
"Watch out!"
Naruto cried out, quickly catching her.
The two of them clung to each other, sharing warmth.
Even though the street around them was silent and cold, their hearts felt anything but.
"Come with me, all right?"
Naruto gently patted her head, his voice kind and soft.
"…Okay."
Haku was shy and didn't say much, but the happiness glowing in her expression said everything.
"Alright, hop on."
Naruto turned his back to her and crouched slightly.
"I'll carry you."
"C-Can I… really?"
There was hesitation in Haku's eyes.
"It's fine. I've got you."
When she still didn't move, Naruto just smiled, bent down, and gently lifted her onto his back.
Feeling her warmth and the soft press of her breath against his neck made Naruto's heart flutter.
Suppressing the ripples of emotion rising in him, he steadied her and began retracing his steps.
"This is the place. Haku, how about we grab a bite to eat first?"
Naruto turned his head slightly and smiled at her.
"…Alright…"
Haku had just been quietly inhaling Naruto's scent with her eyes closed, and his voice startled her.
Her cheeks turned a bashful pink.
"Great. Let's head in."
With Haku's agreement, Naruto pushed open the door.
"Boss! Bring out all your best dishes, and don't hold back on the rice!"
He called out like a rich man at a banquet.
"Uh…"
A few customers nearby gave him weird looks.
Naruto paused, then quickly led Haku to an empty table off to the side and sat down quietly.
"Here you go, sir, your food."
After a long wait, the waiter returned, arms full of dishes.
And then came… an enormous mountain of rice.
"Uhh…"
Naruto stared at the massive heap of rice, the corner of his mouth twitching.
"This… should be enough."
He glanced at the other tables.
Most people were sipping small drinks or nibbling on side dishes.
Only their table looked like a battlefield.
"Don't mind them, Haku. Let's eat."
Naruto smiled awkwardly and handed her a set of chopsticks.
"Mhm."
She accepted them with a polite nod and placed them gently on the table.
But just as Naruto was about to dig in, he froze mid-motion.
"Haku… what are you doing?"
He stared at her, stunned, as she grabbed a clump of rice with her bare hand and lifted it toward her mouth.
"…Eating?"
Haku replied shyly, smiling.
Her delicate face was a little smudged, but the blush on her cheeks was clear as day.
"You're not using the chopsticks?"
Naruto asked instinctively, then remembered, Haku likely had no real-life skills to speak of.
"Haku, it's not sanitary to eat like that. Here, let me show you how to use chopsticks."
He handed her his own and patiently guided her fingers into the right grip.
"…Okay."
She dropped the rice ball in her hand and tried holding the chopsticks as he showed her.
Several minutes later…
"Here, Haku. Say ah~"
Naruto gently held her in his arms, lifting a slice of meat to her lips with his chopsticks.
"Mhm."
The blush hadn't left her face.
Haku opened her mouth slightly and accepted the meat.
After failing to teach her how to eat properly, Naruto had given up and just started feeding her himself.
Learning can wait, he told himself.
"Naruto-kunsan, I'm full now."
Taking his earlier suggestion to call him "big brother," Haku whispered the words shyly,
her red cheeks betraying how flustered she still was.
"Alright, let's go then."
Naruto rubbed his slightly rounded belly and glanced at the table.
The next second, he realized he didn't even need to ask.
Judging from the empty plates and bowls scattered everywhere, there was nothing left except for a bit of soup.
They'd cleared the table.
He paid the bill and lifted Haku into his arms again as they left the restaurant.
"Haku, hope you don't mind me carrying you like this,"
he said as he looked down at the quiet girl nestled against his chest.
"You're full now, and carrying you on my back might not be the best for digestion."
"…Thank you, Naruto-kunsan."
Her soft voice was full of gratitude and happiness.
"No need to thank me."
Naruto looked off into the distance, his face turning red for once.
They didn't say more.
Both of them silently understood, Haku could walk just fine now.
It was evening by the time Naruto arrived at a small inn with Haku in his arms.
Ignoring the odd looks from other guests, he rented a room, took the key, and raced up the stairs.
Click. Bang!
He slammed the door shut behind them and locked it with a flick of his wrist.
Collapsing onto the bed with a dramatic sigh, he groaned,
"Ahhh… Finally… My beloved bed!"
"N-Naruto-kunsan…"
Curled against his chest, Haku trembled slightly.
"…Ah."
Only then did Naruto remember she was still in his arms.
He quickly released her and scratched his head sheepishly.
"Haku, you should go take a bath first."
"…Mhm."
Her face turned inexplicably red.
"Oh, and here, this is your sleepwear."
Naruto handed her a folded set of clothes.
"These are for you to wear tomorrow morning. I'll leave them by the bed."
"Okay."
She nodded softly, accepted the clothes, and walked toward the bathroom.
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Extra Content Already Available:
The Mountain of Ice and Fire (GOT) – 56 advanced chapters!
Naruto: I Am Nara Shikamaru – 30 advanced chapters!
One Piece: Summoner of the 3D Zone – 38 advanced chapters!
Naruto: Wandering with Beauties – 38 advanced chapters!
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