The evening breeze was cool against their faces as Akihiro and Hinata walked slowly along the lantern-lit streets of Konoha.
The soft glow reflected off the cobblestones, and the air smelled faintly of cherry blossoms.
Akihiro's eyes never left her — seventeen, almost eighteen, and she carried a quiet elegance that made him feel like a teenager with no control over his own thoughts.
Every subtle movement she made, every shy glance, sent his mind racing.
Hinata's hands fidgeted with the strap of her small bag, her shoulders hunched as if she could make herself smaller.
When he looked at her, she instinctively shrank a little more, curling inward under the intensity of his white-eyed gaze.
Every step beside him felt like walking a tightrope.
They stopped near a quiet tea stall. Hinata blushed faintly as she set down her cup, carefully holding the warm tea between both hands.
Akihiro couldn't stop noticing how her fingers curled delicately around the cup, how the soft glow of the lanterns highlighted the pale curve of her cheek.
She's… almost an adult… but still this shy little thing… it's impossible not to stare…
"You… you chose green tea," Hinata said softly, her voice trembling like a leaf in the wind.
"Yeah…" Akihiro replied, though his gaze lingered on her more than on the tea. "I thought you'd like it."
He wanted to lean closer, to see her smile without the walls of shyness, but he resisted, careful not to scare her.
Still, his thoughts were a jumble of admiration and nervous excitement. She's right there… just like this… every detail… how can someone be this delicate and… real?
Hinata felt herself shrinking further, lowering her gaze to her lap. Each time his eyes flicked to her, her face flushed brighter, and she struggled to form words.
"I… I… this place… nice…" she whispered, barely audible, twisting the strap of her bag.
Akihiro's lips curved into a gentle smile. "Yeah… nice," he murmured, careful, letting his words reach her without breaking the fragile bubble of her courage.
There was a pause, and then, almost instinctively, their hands brushed as she shifted in her seat. Hinata gasped quietly and pulled back, clutching her bag closer.
Akihiro froze for a heartbeat, his heart hammering, but didn't pull away, letting her set the pace.
She's so timid… every tiny movement of hers… it's like I can't even breathe right next to her…
Hinata's voice was barely above a whisper.
"I… I'm happy… to be here…"
Akihiro's heart leapt.
"Me too," he said softly, finally letting his gaze soften, allowing her to feel that he wasn't judging, wasn't expecting — just observing, just caring.
As they walked again, their shoulders occasionally brushed.
Hinata stiffened each time, burying her face slightly in her scarf, but Akihiro noticed the tiny, almost imperceptible smiles that curved her lips.
He wanted to reach out, to steady her trembling hands, but he held back, knowing that forcing her comfort would break the moment.
Finally, near the edge of the village, he offered his arm in a protective, gentle gesture.
Hinata hesitated, then accepted with a timid, grateful smile, resting her hand lightly against his forearm. Akihiro's chest tightened at the touch.
Seventeen… almost eighteen… and she's right here… she trusts me enough to even touch my arm…
Hinata, meanwhile, felt warmth and nervous energy coursing through her. She wanted to speak, to say something meaningful, but the words wouldn't come. All she could manage was a small, earnest thought:
Please… take care of me…
Akihiro, walking beside her, couldn't help but glance down at her occasionally, his mind filled with awe and quiet determination.
She's mine to protect… and I'm not going to let anything happen to her… not ever.
The night stretched before them, filled with silent understanding, shared glances, and the unspoken connection of two hearts navigating the delicate tension of young love.