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Chapter 8: A Day of Subtle Tensions
The room was silent except for the faint hum of the air conditioning. Saruyo lay in bed, her chest rising and falling steadily as sleep took hold of her. But her calm exterior betrayed the storm brewing in her subconscious. In her dream, she found herself in a dark, foggy space. The air was thick, and a chilling sense of dread wrapped around her like a vice.
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows. It was unmistakably Naruto—his golden hair catching what little light pierced through the fog. He was lying on the ground, unmoving. Saruyo's heart raced as she sprinted toward him.
"Naruto!" she called out, her voice echoing in the void. She fell to her knees beside him, shaking his shoulders. "Wake up! Please, wake up!"
But there was no response. His body was cold, lifeless. A sharp gasp escaped her lips as the reality of the scene hit her.
"No… no, this can't be happening!" she whispered, her hands trembling.
Before she could process further, another figure stepped into view. It was Itachi, his presence radiating menace. His dark eyes bore into her, and a twisted smirk played on his lips.
"I told you, Saruyo," he said, his voice calm yet dripping with malice. "I'll take what you love most. You can't stop me."
Saruyo's eyes widened, her body trembling with a mixture of fear and rage. She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms.
"No!" she screamed, her voice breaking through the oppressive darkness. "You won't take him from me!"
Itachi's smirk deepened. He stepped closer, and just as he reached out toward her, everything shattered. The dream dissolved into chaos, and Saruyo bolted upright in bed, her body drenched in sweat.
Her chest heaved as she clutched at her heart, her breathing ragged. "It was… just a dream," she murmured to herself, pressing a hand to her forehead. "A nightmare."
The room was dark, the only light coming from the faint glow of the moon filtering through the curtains. She turned her head, expecting to see Naruto sleeping peacefully beside her. But the bed was empty.
Panic gripped her momentarily. She threw off the covers and stood, her feet cold against the wooden floor. Without bothering to grab a robe, she stepped out into the hallway, her mind racing.
Saruyo stopped in front of Kushina's room, noticing the door was slightly ajar. Peeking inside, she froze at the sight before her. Naruto was curled up against his mother, his head resting on her chest. Kushina was asleep, her arm draped protectively over him. Her loose nightgown revealed a hint of her figure, and Saruyo's jaw tightened instinctively.
Why does this bother me so much? she thought, clenching her fists. She forced herself to look away.
"She's his mother," she muttered under her breath. "There's nothing wrong with this."
But the sting of jealousy was hard to ignore. As quietly as she had entered, Saruyo slipped out of the room, closing the door behind her. She leaned against the wall, her head tilting back as she let out a long breath.
"You're lucky, Naruto," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "You have a mother who loves you. Someone you can rely on."
Her mind drifted to memories of her own mother—gentle, warm, and always willing to listen. She had been Saruyo's confidant, the person she could turn to with anything. But those days were gone, stolen from her by Itachi's unforgivable betrayal. The image of her mother's lifeless body flashed through her mind, and her hands balled into fists.
"Itachi," she hissed, her voice trembling with anger. "You took everything from me. If you ever come near Naruto, I'll kill you. I swear I will."
She sank onto the staircase, her long black hair spilling over her shoulders as she buried her face in her hands. The weight of her past pressed heavily on her, but alongside it was an undeniable determination to protect the fragile happiness she had found with Naruto.
Meanwhile, in another part of town, Ino stirred from her sleep. For the first time in months, she felt genuinely happy. A smile graced her lips as she stretched, reaching for the stuffed bear she always kept close. Hugging it tightly, she let out a contented sigh.
"Only one week left," she said softly, her voice filled with anticipation. "Naruto's birthday. Everything will be perfect."
She had been working with Kushina to plan the surprise, going over every detail to make sure it would be a day he'd never forget. Her heart swelled at the thought of seeing his smile.
"Just wait, Naruto," she whispered, closing her eyes as she drifted back to sleep. "I'll make sure it's the best birthday you've ever had."
Back at Naruto's house, Saruyo remained on the staircase, lost in her thoughts. The anger and pain swirling within her were almost overwhelming, but as she gazed out the window at the quiet, moonlit street, she felt a glimmer of resolve.
"I'll protect him," she said softly, her voice steady despite the storm in her heart. "No matter what it takes."
The morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Saruyo stood before the mirror, adjusting the delicate folds of her black blouse. The fabric clung to her figure perfectly, accentuating her elegant curves. The blouse was paired with high-waisted black trousers that flared slightly at the bottom, giving her an air of sophistication and power. Her long black hair cascaded down her back like a silken waterfall, framing her sharp, beautiful features. She applied a deep red lipstick, the bold color making her lips look fuller and drawing attention to her captivating face. Her confident aura was undeniable, though a faint tension lingered in her eyes, betraying her inner turmoil.
Her chest rose and fell subtly under the fitted blouse, the soft fabric outlining her femininity in a way that demanded attention without effort. Her tall, lithe frame was complemented by her long legs, which added to her commanding presence. Saruyo's every move was deliberate, from the way she brushed her hair over her shoulder to the faint smirk she practiced in the mirror, masking her nervousness about the previous night's dream.
Meanwhile, Naruto adjusted the hem of his crimson T-shirt, which contrasted beautifully with his light blue jeans. The shirt hugged his toned upper body, highlighting his lean, athletic build. His golden hair was slightly longer than usual, brushing just above his shoulders and giving him a soft, almost androgynous charm. His boyish good looks, combined with his gentle demeanor, made him stand out effortlessly. There was a nervous energy about him, though, as if he could sense Saruyo's unease.
The two met in the dining room, where Kushina had prepared breakfast. The aroma of freshly cooked rice, grilled fish, and miso soup filled the air. Naruto sat down eagerly, but Saruyo hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her sleeve.
Kushina noticed immediately. "Saruyo, you're not eating much," she said, concern lacing her voice. "Are you feeling okay?"
Saruyo snapped out of her thoughts and nodded quickly. "Yes, I'm fine. Just not very hungry," she replied, her voice cool but distracted. She forced herself to take a bite, though her movements were stiff.
Kushina exchanged a glance with Naruto, who frowned slightly. "Saruyo," he began softly, "are you sure you're okay? You seem… off."
Saruyo set her chopsticks down and looked at him, her expression unreadable. "I'm fine," she said firmly. "Let's just finish eating."
After breakfast, Saruyo stood and grabbed her car keys. "Naruto," she said, holding out her hand. "Let's go."
Naruto blinked, surprised by her sudden assertiveness, but took her hand. Her grip was firm, almost protective. As they headed toward the door, Kushina leaned against the frame, watching them with a thoughtful smile.
"Take care of each other," she called after them. Then, as they disappeared down the driveway, she sighed, a playful grin tugging at her lips. "I wonder how Saruyo will react when she finds out about Ino's birthday surprise for Naruto. Two beautiful girls vying for his attention… maybe even three." She chuckled softly.
Her expression turned wistful as she thought aloud. "Saruyo turned twenty-one just last month. If she'd been with us earlier, I'd have thrown her a party…" She trailed off, shaking her head. "Well, there's always next year."
Saruyo gripped the steering wheel tightly as she drove, her knuckles turning white. Naruto sat in the passenger seat, glancing at her nervously. The tension in the car was palpable.
"Saruyo," he said cautiously, "are you sure you're okay? You seem… tense."
She didn't respond at first, her eyes fixed on the road. Finally, she sighed and glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. "I'm fine, Naruto. Don't worry about me."
But her words did little to reassure him. He hesitated, then reached out to touch her arm gently. "If something's bothering you, you can tell me," he said earnestly.
Saruyo suddenly pulled the car over to the side of the road. Before Naruto could say anything, she turned to him, her icy exterior cracking just slightly. She grabbed his face gently but firmly, pulling him close until his head was nestled against her chest. Her soft, steady heartbeat was audible through the thin fabric of her blouse.
"Relax," she said, her voice low and soothing. "You're too tense."
Naruto's face turned crimson as he stammered, "S-Saruyo…"
She leaned back slightly, her hands still holding his face. "Tell me," she said, her tone firm but not unkind. "Why did you leave the bed last night? Why did you go to your mother?"
Naruto's blush deepened. "H-how did you know—"
"I saw you," she interrupted, her eyes narrowing. "Don't think you can sneak around without me noticing."
Naruto looked away, embarrassed. "I just… I couldn't sleep," he admitted. "I was… restless."
Saruyo's expression softened, though her voice remained firm. "Next time, wake me up," she said. "If you're feeling restless or anxious, I'll help you. I'll make sure you're comfortable. You don't need to go to her."
Naruto's eyes widened, and he looked up at her. "You… you'd do that for me?"
Saruyo smirked, a hint of warmth breaking through her icy facade. "Of course. You're mine, Naruto. I take care of what's mine."
He nodded quickly, his face still red. "I-I understand."
"Good," she said, releasing his face and leaning back in her seat. "Now, let's go. We're going to be late."
As they pulled back onto the road, Naruto couldn't help but steal a glance at her. Despite her intimidating demeanor, there was something undeniably comforting about her presence. For the first time, he felt a strange sense of security—like no matter what happened, Saruyo would be there to protect him.
Back at the house, Kushina watched the car disappear down the street and sighed. "Those two… they're quite the pair," she murmured. Then, with a mischievous smile, she added, "This is going to be an interesting birthday."
.
.
The campus parking lot was bustling with activity as students rushed to their lectures, but all eyes were on Ino as she stepped out of her sleek purple car. Her outfit, a form-fitting mini dress that showed off her long legs, caught the sunlight, giving her a radiant and eye-catching appearance. She walked confidently, her heels clicking on the pavement, her hair flowing behind her. This time, the usual flirtatious air was replaced by something different—a sense of determination and joy. There was a spark in her eyes that hadn't been there in a long time.
Ino's gaze landed on Saruyo, who stood near the main building with Naruto. Saruyo's golden outfit was a masterpiece, a fitted ensemble that accentuated her already stunning figure. The way it shimmered in the sunlight made her look almost ethereal. Her hand was firmly clasped around Naruto's, her grip both protective and possessive. The two of them looked every bit like a power couple, their contrasting styles somehow complementing each other perfectly.
Ino's heart clenched, but she forced herself to smile. "Soon," she whispered to herself. "Soon I'll be by your side, even if it means sharing you with her."
Her eyes narrowed slightly as she thought about the string of events that had brought her here. "All because of Naruto's idiotic friends," she muttered under her breath. "Those fools and their stupid dares... inviting her into his life." She took a deep breath, shaking off the bitterness. "But no matter. By your birthday, Naruto, I'll be your gift. I'll give you everything… even the secret side of me."
For a moment, a shadow crossed her face. "If only I hadn't… if only I'd protected my innocence better..." she whispered, her voice tinged with regret. She quickly composed herself and walked toward the main building, her resolve growing stronger with each step.
From a distance, Sakura watched Ino's unusual demeanor. "Ino's happy for once," she remarked, leaning against the wall. Her curiosity was piqued, but she couldn't put her finger on what had changed.
Beside her, Sai shrugged. "It's probably about Naruto."
Sakura's eyes widened, and she turned to Sai. "What do you mean? What's going on with her and Naruto?"
Sai hesitated. "I'm not sure, but it's obvious she's focused on him."
Sakura frowned, deep in thought. "I need to talk to her after lectures," she said, determination in her voice. Then, as if remembering something, she leaned in and kissed Sai lightly on the cheek. "See you after class."
Sai smiled faintly. "See you," he said, watching her walk off before heading to his own lecture hall.
Inside the lecture hall, Naruto and Saruyo found their usual seats. Saruyo, as always, stayed close to him, her hand resting lightly on his. Her touch was warm, yet there was an underlying intensity to it, as if she was silently staking her claim.
Naruto shifted nervously in his seat, trying to focus on the professor's words, but Saruyo's presence was distracting. She leaned in close, her voice a soft whisper in his ear. "What do you think about taking the next step in our relationship?"
Naruto froze, his face turning crimson. "T-the next step?" he stammered.
Saruyo's lips curved into a sly smile. "Yes," she said, her tone teasing yet serious. "I already let you touch my chest before. Next time, I might let you explore further." She leaned in even closer, her breath warm against his ear as she added, "Think about it."
Naruto's mind raced, his face practically glowing with embarrassment. He tried to respond, but no words came out. Saruyo chuckled softly, clearly enjoying his reaction.
In the back of the lecture hall, Ino sat quietly, her eyes fixed on the pair. Her gaze lingered on Naruto, and a small, mischievous smile played on her lips. "Soon," she thought. "I'll be with you soon."
Naruto glanced over his shoulder, hoping to catch a glimpse of Sai, but instead, his eyes met Ino's. She locked eyes with him, her expression playful as she ran her tongue slowly over her lips and bit down gently, her teeth grazing her lower lip. Naruto's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly turned away, his face burning.
Ino chuckled softly to herself. "This is going to be fun," she murmured. "Soon, Naruto… soon."
As the lecture concluded, students began to file out of the hall. Saruyo stayed close to Naruto, her fingers intertwined with his. Despite her usual composed demeanor, there was a nervous energy about her that Naruto couldn't ignore.
"It's time to go," Saruyo said softly, tugging on his hand.
Naruto looked at her curiously. "Why the rush?" he asked, noticing the faint tension in her voice.
She shook her head, her black hair catching the light. "It doesn't matter. Let's just leave," she said firmly.
Ino, sitting a few rows behind them, watched the pair leave with a mix of anger and determination. Her blue eyes narrowed as she whispered under her breath, "You may have him now, Saruyo, but not forever." A sly smile crept onto her lips as she added, "Soon enough, Naruto will be mine."
Outside, Saruyo led Naruto to her car. She had been preoccupied all day, her mind racing with plans for his upcoming birthday. Though Naruto seemed oblivious to the date, Saruyo had no intention of letting it pass unnoticed. She wanted to give him a gift that would leave a lasting impression—something that showed how deeply she cared for him, even if her icy exterior often masked her true feelings.
Meanwhile, Naruto had his own plans. He had recently discovered that Saruyo's birthday had been last month. Though she hadn't celebrated it, he felt compelled to do something for her, even if belatedly. The thought of surprising her with a meaningful gift filled him with determination.
As Saruyo and Naruto approached her car, she paused for a moment, glancing at him with an uncharacteristic softness. "Look at me," she said, her voice low and steady.
Naruto turned to face her, his face already flushed from the intensity of her gaze. Before he could ask why, Saruyo leaned in and kissed him deeply, her hands pressing him gently but firmly against the side of the car. Naruto's heart raced as he tried to process what was happening, his cheeks burning red.
When she finally pulled away, a faint smirk played on her lips. "Let's go," she said, her voice regaining its usual cool tone as she slipped into the driver's seat.
Naruto climbed in beside her, his mind still reeling from the sudden kiss. As Saruyo started the engine and began to drive, he noticed her grip on the steering wheel tightening. She seemed distracted, her usual confident demeanor replaced by a subtle but noticeable unease.
The car moved smoothly through the streets, but Saruyo's eyes darted around as if searching for something—or someone. Suddenly, her breath hitched. Her hands trembled slightly as she caught sight of a figure in the distance. The man's long, dark hair and familiar posture sent a chill down her spine. For a fleeting moment, she was certain it was her brother, Itachi.
Her vision blurred, and she felt a wave of dizziness wash over her. Naruto noticed immediately. "Saruyo, are you okay?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.
Saruyo pulled the car over to the side of the road, her breaths coming in short gasps. Her hands shook as she clutched the steering wheel, her knuckles white. "I… I'm fine," she managed to say, though her voice was weak.
Naruto leaned closer, his worry growing. "You don't look fine," he said. "What's wrong?"
But Saruyo didn't respond. Her vision doubled, and the world around her seemed to spin. The last thing she saw before everything went black was Naruto's panicked face as he reached for her.
Naruto caught her just as she began to slump forward, preventing her head from hitting the steering wheel. "Saruyo!" he shouted, his voice filled with fear. He shook her gently, but she didn't respond. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead, and her breathing was shallow.
"What do I do?" Naruto muttered to himself, his heart pounding. He didn't know how to drive, but he couldn't leave her like this. He carefully took the keys from the ignition and slipped them into his pocket. Then, with surprising strength, he lifted her out of the car, cradling her in his arms.
He carried her to a nearby bench, making sure she was in a safe position. As he adjusted her, he heard her mumbling in her sleep. "No… no… Mother… Father…" Her voice was filled with pain, and tears streamed down her cheeks.
Naruto's chest tightened. "What happened to you, Saruyo?" he whispered, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face.
Saruyo stirred slightly, her voice trembling as she said, "Itachi… don't… don't take them…" A sob escaped her lips, and she clutched at Naruto's shirt in her unconscious state.
Naruto held her closer, his mind racing. He had always known that Saruyo carried a heavy burden, but this was the first time he had seen her so vulnerable. "Whatever it is," he murmured, "I'll protect you."A faint smile crossed her lips before she drifted back to sleep. Naruto sat beside her, watching over her as the afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he knew one thing for certain: he would do whatever it took to protect Saruyo, no matter the was planning to leave the college when she heard a familiar voice calling her name. Turning around, she saw Sakura running toward her. Ino smiled warmly and hurried over to meet her, wrapping her arms around her friend in a tight hug. "I missed you, Sakura," Ino said with genuine affection.
Ino was walking out of the college gates, her bag slung over her shoulder, the cool evening breeze brushing against her. She was lost in thought, her steps slow and deliberate. Just as she reached the main road, a familiar voice called out to her.
"Ino! Wait!"
She turned, a surprised smile breaking across her face as she saw Sakura running toward her. Without hesitation, Ino rushed back, throwing her arms around Sakura in a tight embrace.
"I missed you so much, Sakura," Ino said, her voice trembling with emotion as she held her best friend close.
Sakura's cheeks flushed a light pink, and she hesitated before awkwardly patting Ino on the back. "I… missed you too, Ino."
As they pulled apart, Sakura's eyes wandered briefly—just briefly—to Ino's chest, a pang of envy hitting her hard. Ino's figure was undeniably curvier, and her chest was much more… prominent. Compared to her own, Sakura couldn't help but feel self-conscious.
Ino noticed the faint flicker of jealousy in Sakura's eyes and smirked, brushing her blonde hair behind her ear. "What's up, forehead? Thinking about how stunning I look?" she teased, her tone lighthearted.
Sakura rolled her eyes but smiled back. "Don't start with me, pig. I actually need to talk to you about something important."
Ino raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what's so important that you had to track me down like this?"
"It's about… love," Sakura admitted, her voice softening as she avoided Ino's gaze.
"Love?" Ino repeated, a playful glint in her eyes. "What about it? Do you have some juicy gossip for me?"
Sakura hesitated, then steeled herself. "Ino… do you love someone?"
For the first time in a while, Ino's confident demeanor faltered. Her cheeks turned pink, and she looked away, nervously biting her lip. "I… yeah. I do. He's really special to me."
Sakura's eyes widened slightly, and she leaned closer. "The boy who's always with Saruyo Uchiha… isn't it him?"
Ino's lips parted in surprise, but then she smiled faintly. "Yeah. How did you know?"
Sakura let out a small sigh, her expression a mixture of exasperation and concern. "I know you, Ino. I've known you forever. But… he's with Saruyo Uchiha."
Ino's smile faded, and her gaze grew distant. "I know. And I don't care."
"Ino…" Sakura stepped closer, lowering her voice. "I'm worried about you."
"Worried? About what?"
"Saruyo," Sakura said, her tone firm. "She's… an Uchiha. And she's—"
"What? Better than me?" Ino interrupted, her voice growing sharp.
Sakura froze. "I didn't say that—"
"You didn't have to," Ino said, her voice trembling slightly. "I know what you're thinking, Sakura. Saruyo's pure, isn't she? And me? I'm not."
Sakura's eyes widened in shock. "Ino, I never said that! I would never—"
"But you're thinking it," Ino cut her off, her voice breaking as tears welled up in her eyes. "Saruyo's perfect, isn't she? She's beautiful, stunning, strong, intelligent… and pure. She knows exactly what she wants, and she chose the purest, kindest heart—Naruto. And me?" Ino's voice cracked as the tears spilled down her cheeks. "I'm just… a slut. That's what you're thinking, isn't it?!"
"No! Ino, stop!" Sakura reached out, trying to take her friend's hand.
Ino pulled away sharply, her voice rising with pain and anger. "Don't lie to me, Sakura! I know what people think. I've given myself to so many guys, searching for love, for attention… for someone who'd care about me. But the truth is, the difference between me and Saruyo is that she's perfect, and I'm not. She's… she's everything I'm not."
"Ino, stop this!" Sakura shouted, her voice desperate.
"Even you!" Ino cried, her voice trembling as sobs wracked her body. "You found love, Sakura. You found someone who loves you—Sai. I see the way he looks at you, the way he cares for you. And me? I'm just… just someone to use. I'm nothing more than an object, someone to sleep with, not someone to love."
"Ino…" Sakura's voice was soft, trembling with guilt and sorrow.
"Don't," Ino whispered, her tears falling harder. "Don't pretend you understand. You don't. You've never been in my shoes. You've never had to search for love the way I have, only to find nothing."
"You're wrong," Sakura said, her voice breaking. "Ino, you're not nothing. You're my best friend, and you're beautiful, and—"
"Stop!" Ino shouted, cutting her off. She took a step back, her expression raw with pain. "Don't say it. Don't pity me. I don't want to hear it!"
Before Sakura could say another word, Ino turned and ran, her sobs echoing in the quiet night.
"Ino!" Sakura screamed after her, her voice filled with panic. "Ino, come back! Please!"
But Ino didn't stop.
Sakura stood there, her hands trembling as tears filled her eyes. "Damn it, Ino," she whispered. "What have I done? I have to fix this. I have to… before she does something to herself."
She clenched her fists, her heart pounding with fear. "I can't lose her. I won't let it end this way."
Saroiyo lay unconscious on the bed, her pale skin and calm demeanor giving her an almost ethereal look. Kushina sat by her side, checking her blood pressure with a steady hand. She glanced at Naruto, who was pacing nervously at the edge of the room.
"She's fine," Kushina said with a warm smile, trying to ease Naruto's tension. "She'll wake up any moment now."
Naruto exhaled heavily, running a hand through his messy hair. "I hope so… She's—"
"Don't worry, Narutoto," Kushina interrupted with a playful tone, standing up and patting his shoulder. "She'll be back to scolding you in no time."
Naruto looked away awkwardly, muttering, "Don't call me that…"
Kushina laughed softly as she headed for the door. "I'll go prepare something light for her when she wakes up. Oh, by the way—" she glanced over her shoulder with a teasing grin, "you do realize she has… um, quite an impressive figure, right?"
Naruto froze, his face turning beet red. "M-Mom! Stop saying weird things!" he stammered.
Chuckling, Kushina left the room, leaving Naruto alone. He sighed and reached into his pocket, pulling out a small gift box wrapped neatly in vibrant paper. It was a belated birthday present for Saroiyo; he had bought it weeks ago but hadn't found the courage to give it to her. As he sat at her bedside, he stared at her serene face and whispered, "I hope you like it…"
Saroiyo stirred, her eyelids fluttering open slowly. Her cold, piercing eyes locked onto Naruto, who froze in surprise. "Saroiyo! Finally, you're awake!" he exclaimed.
"What happened?" she asked, her voice as icy and composed as ever. She slowly sat up, brushing her silver hair back and glancing around the room. "I feel… fine now."
"You fainted earlier," Naruto explained, his voice filled with relief. "Do you remember anything?"
Saroiyo frowned slightly, pressing a hand to her temple. "Not much. I was… just exhausted."
Naruto furrowed his brows. "Exhausted? But—"
"I said I'm fine," Saroiyo cut him off, her tone sharp yet not unkind. She glanced at the bedside table and noticed a set of car keys. "Whose keys are those?"
"Oh, uh… yours," Naruto replied sheepishly. "I found them, but… I don't even know how to drive, so I just kept them safe."
Saroiyo sighed, shaking her head. "Typical." She leaned back slightly, her usual composure returning. "No one messed with me, right?"
"Of course not!" Naruto said, his voice rising an octave. "I-I mean, no one would dare…"
Saroiyo narrowed her eyes slightly, studying him. "Good. Just making sure." She hesitated, then added, "And don't even think about touching me. That includes… *everything*."
Naruto's face turned bright red. "I-I wouldn't—! I mean, I didn't—!" he stammered.
"I know, I was just kidding with you," Saruyu said with a slight smile. To his great surprise, she took off her shirt, revealing her bra and pulled down her pants, leaving her wearing black shorts. Her skin was flawless, pale as snow, and the sharp contrast made her even more stunning. "You've seen my bras before, haven't you? But not these shorts, I think."
Naruto panicked, turning his head away. "W-What are you doing?!"
Saroiyo tilted her head, an amused glint in her eyes. "Relax. I'm just proving a point." She reached for the glass of water Naruto had brought and took a sip. Then her eyes fell on the gift box in his hands. "What's that?"
"Oh, this?" Naruto fumbled with the box before handing it to her, his hands shaking slightly. "It's, uh… a birthday present. I just realized it was last month. I know it's late, but…"
Saroiyo stared at the box, her expression unreadable. She opened it carefully, revealing a delicate silver bracelet adorned with a small, intricate charm shaped like a snowflake. Her eyes widened ever so slightly as she ran her fingers over the smooth surface.
"I remembered. My birthday.." she whispered in a quieter voice than usual. "That's... beautiful.
Naruto's face flushed, and he rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "I thought you'd like it. Happy birthday, Saruyuu..."
To his surprise, Saroiyo leaned forward and pulled him into an unexpected hug, pressing his face against her chest. "Thank you, Naruto," she said quietly, her tone carrying a rare warmth. "This means more to me than you know."
Naruto froze, his face burning with embarrassment. "S-Saroiyo! W-What are you—?!"
"Shh," she said, pulling back slightly and smirking at his flustered expression. "Don't ruin the moment."
For the first time, Naruto realized that beneath Saroiyo's icy exterior, there was a fragile warmth—a side of her that only he got to see.
Ino sat on the edge of her bed, her slender fingers adjusting the straps of her elegant, lace-trimmed camisole that hugged her figure. The delicate fabric highlighted her curves, and her ample chest was framed perfectly by the design she had chosen deliberately for tonight. She glanced at herself in the mirror with an air of determination, brushing her long blonde hair over her shoulders.
Her lips curled into a faint, melancholic smile as she whispered to herself, "Just a little longer… Naruto's birthday is almost here."
Her thoughts lingered on the plan she had crafted so carefully, every detail aligned with precision. "I got his mother's approval," she murmured, her voice tinged with a bittersweet satisfaction. "Kushina-san gave me her blessing. To be his… gift."
Ino's eyes darkened with a mixture of vulnerability and longing as she gazed toward the ceiling. "I don't mind sharing him with Saruyo," she admitted softly. "What matters most to me is being by his side." Her voice cracked slightly as she added, "I'm just… someone searching for love. For safety. For a place where I belong."
Her reflection stared back at her, a reminder of the mistakes she'd made in the past. She closed her eyes and drew a deep breath, steadying herself. "I've made so many mistakes," she confessed quietly. "I've done things I'm not proud of. But that's behind me now. I stopped—completely stopped—over a month ago. That's what matters."
Her gaze shifted to the small box on her nightstand, wrapped carefully in soft, shimmering paper. "I wanted to give you everything, Naruto," she whispered, her voice almost breaking. "I can't give you perfection, but I'll give you all that I can. All of me."
Ino's resolve strengthened as she placed her hand over her heart. "I'll give myself to you entirely. Everything I've never given to anyone before. I'll be yours, and you'll be mine." Her expression softened as a faint blush crept onto her cheeks. "Even if you're with Saruyo… it doesn't matter. What matters is that I'll be with you. And Kushina-san agreed to it all."
A small smile tugged at her lips as she whispered, "Wait for me, Naruto."
Elsewhere, in the quiet seclusion of her room, Saruyu sat by the window, her cold gaze fixed on the night sky. Her dark hair framed her pale face, and her fingers unconsciously traced the edge of the gift Naruto had given her—a beautifully crafted bracelet. It glistened dimly in the moonlight, but her mind was far away.
Her thoughts were heavy as she recalled the events of the day. "Itachi…" she murmured, her voice barely audible. Her chest tightened as she clenched the fabric of her skirt. "I saw him. I know it was him."
The memory was vivid, etched into her mind. She had been driving, the afternoon sun casting long shadows on the road, when she saw him—her brother. The same brother who had destroyed their family. Her heart had raced, her vision blurred, and before she knew it, the world had gone dark.
When she woke up, she was home, wrapped in the warm embrace of her familiar friend. Naruto was holding her, caring for her, and staying by her side.
Her icy appearance melted slightly as she looked at the bracelet again. "It's beautiful," she admitted quietly. Her fingers touched the sora, a rare little smile forming on her lips. "He's always so thoughtful."
Rising from her chair, Saruyo walked toward Naruto's room. Her footsteps were silent, her movements graceful as she pushed open the door. The sight of him sleeping peacefully brought an unusual sense of calm to her.
She was dressed in a soft, satin nightgown that clung to her figure, the thin straps revealing her smooth shoulders. Sliding into the bed beside him, she wrapped her arms around his waist, pulling him close until his head rested gently against her chest.
Her icy demeanor softened as she whispered into the darkness, "If Itachi dares to come near you, I'll make him regret it."
Her voice was firm, resolute, and yet, there was an undeniable warmth in the way she held Naruto, her cold exterior thawing just enough in his presence.
the end
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