Morning light filtered through the windows.
Sakura woke to warmth.
Her head was resting on Naruto's chest.
She froze.
Naruto was asleep, breathing slow and steady. His arm lay loosely around her shoulders, protective even in rest.
She should move.
She didn't.
For the first time, she let herself feel it—the safety, the familiarity, the quiet longing she'd buried for years.
Naruto stirred.
"Sakura?" he mumbled.
She lifted her head. Their faces were inches apart.
Neither spoke.
The air between them felt charged—dangerous.
Naruto swallowed. "About what I said last night…"
She placed a finger against his lips. "Not yet."
He blinked.
"You're injured. You're exhausted. And if we talk now…" She exhaled shakily. "I won't be able to pretend anymore."
Naruto's eyes softened.
"I don't want you to pretend."
Her finger lingered.
So did his hand on her waist.
Neither pulled away