Naruto paced back and forth across the living room, rubbing his eyes dramatically. "I swear, I've tried everything. No matter how many times I count sheep, I just can't get any sleep!"

Hinata, curled up on the couch with a book in hand, glanced up at him, eyebrows raised. "Sheep, Naruto? Really?"

He stopped mid-step, looking at her with wide eyes. "Yeah! You know, the old trick? You picture sheep jumping over a fence, and you count them as they go. It's supposed to make you sleepy!"

Hinata blinked, then smiled softly, though she tried to hide it behind her book. "I think you might be doing it wrong. I don't think counting sheep is going to work if you're too busy running around looking for them."

Naruto paused, looking affronted. "What? No way! I've got this down. The problem isn't the sheep! The problem is I just have so much energy. I'm like a… like a human tornado or something!" He spun in a circle for emphasis, making the room spin with him.

Hinata chuckled, the soft sound soothing Naruto's frustration. "Maybe you should try something a little more relaxing, then. Something that doesn't involve running around the house in circles."

Naruto dropped onto the couch dramatically, slouching back with a huff. "Relaxing, huh? I've tried everything! I've had warm milk, I've done deep breathing exercises, I've even tried yoga. But nothing works!"

Hinata tilted her head thoughtfully. "Yoga? You?"

Naruto puffed out his chest, trying to look proud despite the embarrassment creeping up his neck. "Hey, I'm flexible! I can do a mean downward dog!" He made an awkward attempt at the pose, his arms and legs bent at strange angles.

Hinata giggled softly, covering her mouth with her hand. "I think it's more of a confused dog than a downward dog."

Naruto let out an exaggerated groan and fell back onto the couch, hands over his eyes. "I'm doomed! How am I supposed to get some sleep when I can't even get that right?"

Hinata put her book down, setting it aside as she shifted to sit next to him. "Okay, Naruto, maybe we need to approach this a little differently."

He looked at her, hopeful but skeptical. "Oh? And how do you propose we do that, huh? Give me your best sleep secrets, Hinata!"

She smiled warmly, her voice calm but confident. "First, we need to set the mood. The right environment can really help."

Naruto blinked at her. "The right environment? What does that mean? Are we gonna redecorate the whole place just for me to sleep?"

Hinata shook her head, trying not to laugh. "No, it's more about making sure your space is calming. A clean, quiet area, a comfortable bed, and dim lighting. Maybe even something like soothing music."

Naruto looked around the living room, his eyes darting from the messy piles of his ninja gear to the random snacks scattered on the coffee table. "Uh… yeah, no wonder I can't sleep here. I've got junk everywhere!"

Hinata smiled. "Exactly. A cluttered room can make it harder to relax. Let's start by tidying up a bit, and I'll light a candle. I think you'll notice a difference."

Naruto groaned dramatically, but with a reluctant sigh, he stood up. "Fine, fine. But I'm warning you, I'm not the cleanest person. My idea of tidying up usually means shoving things into random drawers."

Hinata stood as well, chuckling. "I'm sure we'll manage." She moved to the kitchen and returned with a small, lavender-scented candle, lighting it with a match. "Lavender has a calming effect, so let's try that."

Naruto leaned over, sniffing the candle with exaggerated care. "Hmm… Smells like flowers… and… sleep, I guess?"

Hinata raised an eyebrow. "You're not very convincing, Naruto."

He grinned sheepishly. "What can I say? I'm a tough critic." He took a seat again, looking more relaxed now that the room felt a little cozier.

Hinata sat next to him, folding her legs under herself. "Now that the room is peaceful, we can try something else. Have you ever tried reading before bed?"

Naruto blinked at her, his usual energy dimming. "Reading? Before bed?"

"Yes," she replied, a playful glint in her eye. "Reading a book, or even just listening to something light, can help your mind unwind. It's better than staring at a screen or overthinking things."

Naruto groaned, sinking into the cushions. "Books again? I get enough of those during the day! I thought you were going to offer me something fun, like a snack or something."

Hinata chuckled. "Naruto, you've eaten all the snacks. We're focusing on rest, not food."

He pouted, but his face softened as he looked at her. "Well, what's your idea of a relaxing book, huh?"

Hinata's eyes sparkled as she pulled a small book from her bag. "I was thinking of something a little more soothing. This one has poems and stories about nature and peaceful moments."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Poetry? That's… uh, not really my thing."

Hinata smiled gently. "Trust me, Naruto. You might be surprised."

Naruto gave her an exaggerated sigh. "Fine, hit me with the poetry. But if I fall asleep during it, don't blame me."

She began reading softly, her voice calm and steady. The words were simple yet peaceful, painting pictures of gentle rivers and calm forests. Naruto, at first fidgeting and shifting, gradually found himself drawn into her voice. His mind, which usually raced with thoughts of missions and training, began to slow down.

By the time she finished a few pages, Naruto's eyelids were heavy, his breathing slower.

Hinata smiled to herself as she closed the book. "See? Not so bad."

Naruto blinked his eyes open lazily, a little surprised. "Huh. I actually feel kinda… sleepy. Maybe it's not the worst idea."

Hinata grinned at him. "Maybe you should do this more often."

Naruto stretched and yawned. "Alright, alright. I'll admit it, Hinata. You've got some good ideas."

She patted him gently on the shoulder. "I'm glad. Now, let's get some sleep, okay?"

Naruto, now with a small smile on his face, nodded. "Yeah. Thanks for helping me out. You might be the only person who can help me sleep better."

Hinata's heart warmed at his words, and she smiled softly. "You're welcome, Naruto."

As Naruto finally settled into a comfortable position, his breathing deepened, and within minutes, he drifted off to sleep. Hinata stayed awake for a moment, watching him with a quiet sense of satisfaction, before she too let herself relax, content knowing she had helped her friend—her favorite ninja—find a bit of peace.

And for the first time in a long while, the room was filled with quiet, soothing stillness—perfect for rest.