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Chapter Two: : Unpredictable Temptation

Kushina stood before her grand mirror, adjusting the collar of her sleek, high-end blouse. It was a deep shade of red, complementing her fiery locks that cascaded over her shoulders like molten silk. She paired it with fitted black pants that accentuated her flawless curves, the material clinging to her toned legs in all the right places. The ensemble screamed sophistication, power, and just the right amount of allure. A subtle smirk played on her lips as she checked her reflection one last time.

"Well, today should be interesting," she murmured, tilting her head. "Let's see if that guy is worth any of my time."

She reached for the small leather wallet that belonged to Naruto, her fingers brushing over the worn edges. It was an old-fashioned piece, simple but sturdy, much like its owner seemed to be. Something about the way he had looked at her last night—those icy blue eyes piercing through her defenses—made her stomach tighten in a way she hadn't felt in years.

Snapping out of her thoughts, she grabbed her car keys and strode confidently out of her luxurious apartment. In the underground parking lot, she approached her car—a sleek, jet-black sports car with crimson accents along the body. The vehicle was a statement of power and class, much like the woman who owned it. She slid into the plush leather seat, the engine roaring to life as her manicured fingers wrapped around the steering wheel.

""Well, let's see what this guy is really doing," she muttered, shifting gears and accelerating through the busy streets of Konoha City.

Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Naruto Namikaze was waking up to a quiet morning. The golden rays of the sun filtered through his bedroom window, casting a soft glow over his toned, shirtless frame. His chiseled abs flexed slightly as he stretched, running a hand through his messy blond hair.

He exhaled deeply, glancing over at the framed picture on his nightstand. It was a photo of a beautiful blonde woman, her smile radiant, eyes filled with warmth.

"Good morning, Ino," he whispered, his voice carrying both love and sorrow.

Two years had passed since she left him. Two years since he had lost both his wife and the unborn child they had dreamed of raising together. Time hadn't softened the ache, but he had learned to live with it.

He climbed out of bed and walked into his bathroom, turning on the shower. The hot water cascaded down his sculpted body, washing away the remnants of sleep. After toweling off, he dressed in a comfortable yet stylish ensemble—a fitted white V-neck shirt that hugged his athletic torso and loose gray sweatpants that hung low on his hips.

Naruto made his way to the kitchen, preparing a simple yet satisfying breakfast. Toast, eggs, and black coffee. He ate in silence, flipping through the pages of a book he had been meaning to finish. The words blurred slightly as his mind drifted, memories of Ino flooding his senses.

A sudden knock at the door snapped him out of his thoughts. His brows furrowed slightly as he set his book down.

"Who could that be?" he murmured, pushing himself up from his seat.

Meanwhile, outside, Kushina stood before the entrance of his modest home. Her fingers tingled with a strange nervous energy, a sensation she hadn't felt in years. She clutched the wallet tighter in her hand, inhaling deeply as she steadied herself.

"Relax, Kushina. You're just returning a damn wallet. Nothing more," she muttered under her breath.

And yet, despite her words, a heat spread through her body as she recalled the intensity of Naruto's gaze. Why did this man—a complete stranger—make her feel so... unsettled?

She squared her shoulders and knocked again, anticipation buzzing in her veins.

"Let's see what this guy is really about."

Kushina stood outside Naruto's apartment, gripping his wallet in her hands. She took a deep breath, steadying herself before stepping forward. "I'll just return his wallet and leave. That's it. Nothing more," she murmured, but she couldn't ignore the warmth spreading through her body at the thought of seeing him again.

She lifted her hand to knock, but before she could, the door swung open. And there he was—Naruto. The same man she had collided with, standing before her, his golden hair slightly tousled, his sharp blue eyes fixed on her. Up close, his fair skin and delicate features gave him an almost ethereal beauty, strikingly reminiscent of a sculpture carved to perfection.

Naruto's gaze flickered in recognition. "You... You're the woman from yesterday."

Kushina smirked slightly, raising the wallet. "You dropped this when we ran into each other. I figured I should return it."

A brief silence stretched between them before Naruto let out a small chuckle. "That was really kind of you. Thank you."

He reached out to take the wallet, and as their fingers brushed, a sudden jolt of something unfamiliar shot through both of them. Kushina quickly withdrew her hand, clearing her throat as she tried to push down the heat rising to her face.

Naruto noticed her flustered expression and offered a small smile. "Would you like to come in?"

Kushina blinked in surprise. "Come in?"

"Of course. You went out of your way to return this, after all. At least let me offer you something to drink."

For a moment, she hesitated. But something about him, his calm demeanor, his gentle but unreadable gaze, made her nod. "Alright. Just for a little while."

She stepped inside, and the first thing that struck her was how impeccably clean the apartment was. The scent of fresh linen and something subtly masculine filled the air, making her take a slow breath. "Your place is... really nice."

Naruto closed the door behind her. "Thank you. I try to keep it neat. Please, make yourself comfortable."

Kushina removed her shoes and stepped onto the plush carpet, surprised by how soft it felt beneath her stocking-clad feet. She followed him into the living area, where she took a seat on a pristine white couch. The entire apartment had an elegant simplicity to it, a reflection of its owner.

Naruto disappeared into the kitchen for a moment before returning with two steaming cups of tea. He handed one to her, their fingers brushing again as she accepted it. The warmth of the cup was nothing compared to the heat simmering just beneath her skin.

She took a cautious sip, her eyes widening slightly at the taste. "This is... really good. I've never had anything quite like it."

Naruto chuckled, taking a sip from his own cup. "It's a blend I picked up a while back. I'm glad you like it, Miss..."

"Kushina," she said, setting her cup down with a small smile. "My name is Kushina."

Naruto tilted his head slightly, as if savoring the name. "Kushina... It's a beautiful name."

A rare blush crept onto her cheeks, but she quickly masked it with a smirk. "Flattery already, huh?"

He grinned. "Just stating the truth."

For a moment, silence settled between them, but it wasn't uncomfortable. It was as if something unspoken hung in the air, an invisible thread connecting them in ways neither of them could quite understand yet.

Kushina exhaled softly. Maybe this meeting wasn't so insignificant after all.

Kushina sat comfortably on the plush couch, her sharp eyes observing Naruto. Unlike most men, he hadn't once allowed his gaze to wander over her body, despite her undeniably captivating presence. This fact intrigued her.

"So, Naruto," she began, her voice smooth yet curious. "What do you do for a living?"

Naruto took a sip of his tea before responding. "I work as a waiter at a restaurant."

She tilted her head slightly, amused. "That explains this delicious drink. You must have a refined touch."

Naruto merely smiled politely. "I do my best."

Kushina leaned back, crossing her legs in an effortless display of grace. "I, on the other hand, own a high-end boutique. The most prestigious fashion store in the city, actually."

Naruto raised an eyebrow, genuinely impressed. "That's incredible. Must have taken a lot of hard work."

She smirked, her pride evident. "Oh, it did. Planning, execution, every step was a challenge. But now? I regret nothing."

Naruto nodded. "You should be proud. That's an amazing achievement."

"I am," she admitted before her eyes wandered around the room. Eventually, they landed on a framed picture hanging on the wall. A stunning blonde woman smiled brightly in the photograph. Her beauty was undeniable. Kushina felt an odd twinge in her chest.

"She's gorgeous... Who is she?" she asked, her voice softer than before.

Naruto's expression darkened slightly, a bittersweet smile forming. "That's my wife."

A sharp pang ran through Kushina's chest. He was married? She hadn't expected that.

"Oh," she muttered, suddenly feeling out of place. "Where is she?"

Naruto hesitated, exhaling slowly. "She's not here anymore."

Kushina's breath hitched. "You mean... you're divorced?"

"It would have been easier if that were the case," he murmured. "She passed away."

Silence filled the room. Kushina's fingers tightened around the fabric of her dress. "I'm... I'm so sorry."

Naruto offered a small nod. "It's not your fault."

"How long has it been?" she asked hesitantly.

"Two years."

She processed his words, exhaling quietly. "Two years… and now you're working as a waiter? But from how you carry yourself, you seem highly educated."

Naruto let out a soft chuckle. "I used to be a lawyer. A damn good one, actually. But after she died... I just wanted to get away from the chaos. So, I left it all behind."

Kushina observed him closely, a sense of intrigue growing stronger within her. There was so much more to him than she initially assumed.

Suddenly, she reached into her purse and pulled out her phone. "Give me your number."

Naruto blinked, puzzled. "Why?"

"Just do it," she insisted.

Sighing, he handed her his phone. She quickly saved her number and smirked as she handed it back. "There. Now I have it. Maybe I'll call you."

Naruto narrowed his eyes slightly. "Why would you call me?"

Kushina stood up, flashing him a mysterious smile. "You'll find out soon enough."

And with that, she turned on her heel, making her way towards the door. As she stepped outside, she exhaled, running a hand through her fiery red hair.

"Step one," she whispered to herself before walking off into the night.

Two days had passed, and Kushina sat at her luxurious desk, deep in thought. The air in her high-end boutique office was filled with the faint scent of expensive perfumes, the soft hum of the city outside barely reaching her ears. She rested her chin on her hand, her long red nails tapping lightly against the polished wood surface.

Across from her, Samui, her trusted confidante and best friend, leaned against the desk with an amused smirk. "Kushina," she called, her voice playful yet firm.

Kushina blinked, snapping out of her trance. "What?" she asked, feigning nonchalance.

Samui chuckled. "I've been calling your name for the past hour, but you were lost in thought. Thinking about a man, perhaps?" She arched an eyebrow knowingly.

Kushina straightened in her chair, crossing one leg over the other. "None of your business," she replied smoothly, but the slight curve of her lips betrayed her.

Samui's smirk widened. "So, it's a man, then? Tell me, is he handsome? Or just incredibly hot this time?"

Kushina sighed, glancing at her friend with a mix of amusement and mild irritation. "He works as a waiter in a restaurant," she admitted, "but I want him to work for me instead. Maybe that way, I can bring him closer to me."

Samui tilted her head in intrigue. "A brooding, mysterious type, huh? Sounds interesting."

Kushina nodded, her fingers trailing absentmindedly over her desk. "Yes, he seems kind, but he's so reserved. That kind of attitude attracts a lot of women."

Samui scoffed, leaning closer. "Reserved? A man who doesn't immediately jump at the chance with you? Now, that's rare."

Kushina smirked, but there was something deeper in her expression—curiosity, fascination. "His wife died two years ago."

Samui blinked. "Two years… and he hasn't been with a woman since?" she repeated, her voice laced with disbelief. "Are you serious?"

Kushina nodded, watching her friend's reaction with amusement. "That's right. He hasn't slept with anyone since his wife passed."

Samui threw her hands up dramatically. "What kind of man does that? Two years without sex? Either he's the most loyal man on earth, or he's just… I don't know, insane."

Kushina chuckled, shaking her head. "When I went to his place, he didn't even glance at my body. Not even once."

Samui gasped theatrically. "Impossible! How did he resist this?" She reached forward, teasingly squeezing Kushina's ample chest before the redhead smacked her hand away.

"Stop that," Kushina muttered, rolling her eyes, though a small smile played on her lips.

Samui leaned back, crossing her arms. "Alright, alright. So, what's your plan? How are you going to make him work for you?"

Kushina's lips curled into a sultry smile. "Oh, I have my ways," she purred. "I'm going to lure him into my world. A world of pleasure, indulgence…" She trailed off, her violet eyes gleaming with mischief. "I'll turn him into a man who knows how to enjoy life again."

Samui let out a low whistle. "Damn, Kushina. That sounds both dangerous and delicious."

Kushina leaned back in her chair, stretching languidly. "It'll be fun to watch him struggle at first. He's disciplined, but let's see how long that lasts."

Samui grinned. "If anyone can pull a man into a world of temptation, it's you. I can't wait to see how this unfolds."

Kushina leaned back in her chair, swirling the pen between her fingers as she stared at the ceiling. "I still can't believe it, Samui. A man like him, untouched by women for two years, despite being so breathtakingly beautiful. His skin is practically glowing, and any woman would die just for the chance to have him touch her."

Samui raised an eyebrow. "So, what? You're saying he's some kind of saint?"

Kushina chuckled. "No saint, just… maybe a man with an unshakable sense of loyalty. If that's really the case, then I have my answer." She smirked. "If I give him the kind of pleasure no other woman can, he'll never be able to leave me. I'll make him crave me, need me. I'll bring him back to life."

Samui burst out laughing. "Oh? That sounds intense. But let's be real—he's a quiet, withdrawn guy who wants a peaceful life. How do you plan on dragging him into your world?"

Kushina sighed. "I don't have a plan yet. I can't just show up and demand he work for me or be with me. That would scare him off. I need to ease him in, step by step."

Samui smirked. "Sounds good in theory, but how do you even start?"

Kushina tapped her lips thoughtfully. "Maybe I should become someone he relies on first. Like a friend, someone important to him. If I play my cards right, he won't even realize what's happening until it's too late."

Samui shook her head. "That sounds painfully slow. If you really want him, you need something stronger."

Kushina tilted her head. "Like what?"

Samui grinned. "Get one of his friends to set you two up. A little nudge from the right person can go a long way."

Kushina's eyes widened. "Why didn't I think of that? That's actually a great idea."

Samui chuckled. "You're welcome. Now, go find someone who can make this happen."

Kushina smirked. "I will. Just watch, Samui. He'll be mine soon enough."! 🔥

:

Chapter Title: The Game Begins

Naruto let out a tired sigh as he stepped out of the restaurant at the end of his shift. The night air was crisp, brushing against his skin as he reached into his pocket to pull out his phone. Just as he was about to check his messages, the screen lit up with an incoming call.

"Sasuke?" Naruto muttered, narrowing his eyes as he answered.

. Right now."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

"You'll see when you get here," Sasuke replied, his voice calm yet firm.

Naruto sighed again, rubbing the back of his neck. "Fine, I'm on my way." He hung up and swung one leg over his sleek black motorcycle, the engine roaring to life beneath him. "What could he possibly want this late?" he muttered, twisting the throttle and speeding off into the city.

Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Sasuke Uchiha stood at the sidewalk, his hands tucked into the pockets of his black blazer as he leaned against his car. He had just finished a rather interesting phone call—one that made him smirk.

Kushina Uzumaki.

The name alone carried weight in this city. The owner of the most luxurious fashion brand, a woman of undeniable beauty, confidence, and mystery. But tonight, it wasn't just business that brought her name to his mind.

She was interested in Naruto.

And Sasuke, being the observant man he was, knew exactly why.

"That fool," he muttered to himself, shaking his head. "He's been stuck in the past for too long."

Kushina could be the one to break him out of it.

As the sound of an engine rumbled down the street, Sasuke turned his head and smirked.

Naruto had arrived.

The golden-haired man stepped off his bike, pulling off his black leather gloves as he approached. His blue eyes, sharp and unreadable, locked onto Sasuke with a hint of suspicion.

"Alright, I'm here. What's this about?"

Sasuke simply grinned. "I have a surprise for you."

Naruto crossed his arms. "I'm not really in the mood for surprises, Sasuke."

"You will be once you see her," Sasuke replied, his tone teasing.

Naruto narrowed his eyes. "Her?"

Sasuke chuckled. "She's gorgeous. Elegant, powerful, and—" He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "Fiery."

Naruto sighed, already growing impatient. "Just get to the point."

"Not yet," Sasuke said, opening the passenger door of his sleek black car. "Get in. I'm taking you to dinner."

Naruto frowned. "I'm not interested in your matchmaking, Sasuke."

Sasuke smirked. "Trust me. You'll want to meet this one."

Naruto hesitated for a moment before reluctantly getting into the car. As Sasuke pulled onto the main road, he added with a knowing smile, "She's going to change everything for you."

At the restaurant...

The atmosphere of the exclusive restaurant was elegant yet intimate, with dim lighting casting a warm glow over the guests. The air smelled of expensive wine and gourmet dishes, and the quiet hum of conversation filled the room.

And sitting at a table near the window, commanding attention without even trying, was Kushina Uzumaki.

She was dressed in a stunning [ ] dress, the silky fabric hugging her curves perfectly. A subtle slit at the side revealed just enough of her long, toned legs, and her deep red hair cascaded over one shoulder like flames against her skin.

Her violet eyes, sharp and full of mischief, flickered toward the entrance as she sipped her drink.

"The game begins," she whispered to herself, a smirk tugging at her lips.

Tonight, Naruto Namikaze would be hers.

! 🔥

The sleek black car rolled to a stop in front of the luxurious restaurant, its headlights illuminating the grand entrance. Sasuke leaned back in his seat, watching as Naruto exhaled sharply, already sensing something unusual about the situation.

Naruto ran a hand through his golden hair before glancing at his longtime friend. "Aren't you coming inside?"

Sasuke smirked, shaking his head. "No. Your surprise is waiting at Table 200."

Naruto arched an eyebrow. "Table 200? You're being too cryptic, Sasuke."

"You'll figure it out," Sasuke replied with a knowing look before adding, "Try not to run away immediately."

Naruto scoffed, stepping out of the car. He adjusted his jacket, sighed, and walked into the restaurant. The ambiance inside was elegant and warm, with the scent of high-class cuisine lingering in the air. A hostess greeted him with a polite smile, escorting him toward the designated table.

Meanwhile, Kushina was watching.

From a concealed spot near the bar, her sharp violet eyes locked onto Naruto as he was led to the table. Her lips curled into a smirk.

"He really is something."

The way he carried himself, the casual yet confident stride, the silent intensity in his gaze—it was irresistible.

"Let's see how long he can resist me."

Once Naruto was seated, she took a deep breath, adjusted her dress ever so slightly to accentuate her curves, and made her move.

Naruto barely had time to glance at the menu before a stunning woman approached his table.

His sharp blue eyes flicked upward, and his breath hitched for the briefest moment.

Red.

Her hair was red like flames, cascading over one shoulder. Her violet eyes shimmered under the dim restaurant lighting, and her lips curved into a seductive yet mischievous smile. She exuded confidence, power, and something else—something dangerous.

Then it hit him.

"Her."

The woman who had returned his wallet. The woman whose presence had stirred something deep inside him.

Kushina Uzumaki.

"Well?" she purred, sliding gracefully into the seat across from him. "Did you like the surprise?"

Naruto's lips pressed into a firm line as he sighed. "So this is what Sasuke was talking about."

Kushina leaned forward, resting her chin on her delicate fingers, amusement flickering in her gaze. "Are you disappointed?"

Naruto looked at her for a long moment before responding flatly, "I'm leaving."

He moved to stand, but her hand shot out, gripping his wrist.

He froze.

Her grip was firm—surprisingly strong.

Naruto's eyes met hers. There was no hesitation, no desperation—only determination.

"Why are you in such a hurry?" she asked smoothly. "I went through a lot of trouble to set this up, you know."

"I never asked for it," Naruto replied, his tone cool.

Kushina studied him, her fingers still wrapped around his wrist.

"He's not like the others."

Any other man—any man—would have melted under her touch by now. Would have been captivated by her presence. Would have been eager to please her.

But Naruto?

He was pulling away.

"I guess it's time for my next move."

She released his wrist but leaned in slightly, lowering her voice to a sultry whisper.

"You're quite arrogant, Naruto," she murmured.

He narrowed his eyes. "I'm not interested in playing games."

Kushina smirked. "Then let me help you."

"You can't."

"I can. And I will."

Naruto sighed, already preparing to leave again, but before he could rise—

Kushina struck.

She leaned forward, her warm breath tickling his ear as she whispered,

"You're incredibly attractive, Naruto. It'd be a shame if you didn't sit here and enjoy a beautiful evening with me."

Her lips barely brushed against his skin, just enough to tease.

And then, as if to push the boundaries further, she pressed her full, soft breasts against his arm ever so slightly, her smirk widening.

Naruto's jaw tightened.

Any other man would have been done for.

But Naruto?

His response was brutal.

"You're shameless," he muttered, pulling his arm away. "I don't need your reward."

Silence.

For the first time in years, Kushina froze.

The shock registered in her body before it reached her face.

This was the **first time—**the first time a man had rejected her.

Any other man would have been on his knees for her by now.

Any other man would have been begging for her attention.

But Naruto?

He was walking away.

"What… what kind of man is this?"

For the first time, she felt a strange, unfamiliar sensation.

Not anger. Not frustration.

Something deeper.

"No… I won't let him leave like this."

She took a sharp breath, and then—

She played her final card.

Her eyes glistened.

Her lips trembled.

And tears began to fall.

Naruto halted mid-step.

"I just…" she choked, her voice breaking. "I just wanted to spend some time with you."

He turned, his brows furrowing. "I didn't ask for this."

"But I did!" she whispered, real tears streaming down her face now. "I just—I'm so lonely, Naruto."

The rawness in her voice made something tighten in his chest.

"I don't want to see you like this. I don't want you to be so closed off. I feel… I feel happy when I'm around you."

Her lips quivered as she wiped at her tears.

"I just want to be something important to you."

Naruto exhaled sharply.

It wasn't the tears that got to him.

It was the way she said his name.

"Naruto-kun…"

A ghost of a voice, one that haunted him.

One that belonged to Ino.

The way she had said his name with that same delicate tone.

That same warmth.

His blue eyes darkened.

"Naruto?" Kushina whispered, reaching out hesitantly. "Are you okay?"

For a long moment, he didn't answer.

Then—

"Fine," he muttered. "I'll stay."

Kushina's heart leapt in victory.

"Yes!"

Without thinking, she wrapped her arms around him, pressing herself against his chest.

And Naruto?

For the first time since Ino's death—

He felt warmth.

A warmth that shook him to his core.

But it wasn't just warmth.

It was something more.

Something dangerous.

And Kushina knew it.

"Game on, Naruto."

The soft glow of the restaurant's chandeliers cast a warm ambiance over their table. The quiet hum of conversations filled the air, but at Table 200, the atmosphere was uniquely charged—an unspoken battle of wills simmering beneath polite formalities.

Kushina elegantly lifted her fork, taking a bite of her meal while subtly observing the man across from her.

Naruto sat unmoved, eating with mechanical precision. His cool, indifferent expression hadn't shifted since their conversation began. He wasn't flustered, nor was he intrigued.

Just distant.

"How boring."

Kushina sighed dramatically, resting her chin on her hand as she watched him.

"If he were any other man, he'd be worshipping me by now."

And yet, here Naruto was—untouched, unbothered.

She let the silence stretch before finally speaking.

"Honestly, Naruto," she mused, tilting her head. "If this were any other guy, we wouldn't even be having dinner right now."

Naruto barely acknowledged her, finishing another bite before responding in a flat tone.

"Why's that?"

Kushina smirked, swirling her wine glass between her fingers.

"Because if it were someone else, he'd be screwing me by now."

The words were shameless. Bold. Designed to provoke.

Yet, Naruto didn't flinch.

Didn't react.

He simply sighed.

"Not interested."

Kushina arched an eyebrow, propping her elbow on the table as she rested her cheek against her palm.

"Oh? And why's that? I'm incredibly attractive, you know."

Naruto finally looked at her, his piercing blue eyes as cold as ice.

"You're really not."

Kushina blinked, taken aback for a brief second before a low, amused chuckle slipped from her lips.

"Interesting."

"Everyone says otherwise," she countered smoothly. "In fact, I bet every man in this restaurant would kill to be in your seat right now."

Naruto shrugged.

"Good for them."

Kushina pouted dramatically, though the amusement in her eyes never faded.

"Are you gay?" she teased.

Naruto exhaled sharply, already done with this conversation.

"No."

"Then explain yourself," she said, leaning in slightly. "Two years without sex? What kind of man doesn't get hard for a beautiful woman?"

Naruto set his fork down, his patience thinning.

"I already told you," he said, voice steady. "I don't care about those things."

Kushina smirked, tapping a finger against her lips.

"Mm, I wonder… Were you always like this? Or did she break you?"

The shift in Naruto's posture was subtle—but she caught it.

A flicker of something deep in his gaze.

And that's when she knew.

"It's about her."

"His dead wife."

For the first time since their meeting, Kushina had found a crack.

But she didn't push. Not yet.

Instead, she leaned back and sighed.

"Fine, fine. I'll stop teasing," she said playfully, twirling a strand of her hair. "Let's talk about me then."

Naruto didn't respond, but he didn't leave either, so she continued.

"Did you know I've been married three times?" she said casually, sipping her wine.

Naruto didn't blink.

"No. And I don't care."

Kushina chuckled. "You're so cold, Naruto. But whatever, I'll tell you anyway."

She set her glass down, tracing the rim with a delicate finger.

"I was loyal. Devoted. I gave each of them everything I had."

Her voice dipped lower, softer.

"And every single one of them turned out to be lying, cheating bastards."

Naruto finally glanced at her, but his face remained impassive.

"So what?"

Kushina smirked.

"So it matters," she said simply. "I was never the problem."

Her eyes gleamed with something unreadable as she tilted her head.

"You know, in all my relationships, I never forced anyone to lick me."

Naruto's brow twitched slightly.

"Excuse me?"

Kushina smiled, her voice as smooth as silk.

"I never asked for it. But I did a lot for them."

She trailed a finger along the rim of her wine glass.

"I took care of their needs. I pleased them. I put them first."

She smirked.

"I even sucked their dicks."

A beat of silence.

Naruto sighed, rubbing his temple.

"I hope you find someone who makes you happy, then."

Kushina stared at him, then laughed.

A rich, genuine laugh.

"Oh, he really doesn't break easily, does he?"

She liked that.

She really, really liked that.

The rest of the dinner passed with idle conversation—at least, from her side. Naruto barely spoke, answering only when necessary.

And yet, despite his disinterest—he hadn't left.

"That's a win in my book."

As the meal ended, Kushina stretched lazily, crossing one leg over the other.

"So, when will I see you again?" she asked, smirking.

Naruto finished the last sip of his drink and stood up.

"I don't know."

Kushina grinned.

"Wrong answer. You'll see me tomorrow."

Naruto sighed. "We're not meeting again."

Kushina chuckled. "Yes, we are."

She pushed back her chair and stood beside him.

Then, without warning—

She reached for his hand.

Her fingers brushed against his skin, her touch warm.

And Naruto—

He felt it.

A warmth he hadn't felt in a long, long time.

But he didn't react. Didn't squeeze back. Didn't let it show.

Kushina's smirk deepened.

"He felt that."

"Even if he won't admit it."

As they exited the restaurant, she pulled her coat over her shoulders, turning to him one last time.

"I'll text you tomorrow with the location."

Naruto exhaled. "Don't bother."

Kushina winked. "Oh, I will."

And with that—

She disappeared into the night.

Naruto watched her go before shaking his head.

"Troublesome woman."

Yet, as he climbed onto his motorcycle, gripping the handlebars—

His fingers still felt warm.

And for the first time in years—

He wasn't sure if he was bothered by it.

the end

An exciting new chapter

light

Tell me I will see you

This story will have exciting events.