How did he end up in this situation with this troublesome woman? Shikamaru asked himself that question at least ten times a day.
Even with his high intelligence, it had taken him a little while to realize that bit by bit, he was handing his heart over to her.
He didn't like the idea of a Sand kunoichi being in charge of his life. He was going to end up just like his father, married to a controlling woman. That is, if their relationship ever progressed that far.
Against his better judgment, he felt himself hoping that it would.