Title: Chōchō's Unexpected Babysitting Adventure
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Chōchō Akimichi sighed as she adjusted the straps of her bag, glancing down at the energetic five-year-old clutching her hand. Mya, her aunt's daughter, was practically bouncing with excitement, her round cheeks flushed pink.
"Alright, Mya, listen up," Chōchō said, bending down to her level. "We're meeting Inojin and Sarada for lunch, and you have to behave, okay?"
Mya blinked up at her with big, innocent eyes. "Uh-huh!" she chirped, already distracted by a butterfly fluttering past.
Chōchō groaned internally. This is gonna be a long day.
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When they arrived at the restaurant, Inojin and Sarada were already seated. Inojin raised an eyebrow as Chōchō slid into the booth, Mya clambering in beside her.
"Who's the kid?" he asked.
"My cousin," Chōchō muttered. "Long story."
Sarada smiled. "She's cute!"
Mya beamed, swinging her legs. "Hi! I'm Mya! I like food!"
Inojin smirked. "Sounds like a mini Chōchō."
Chōchō shot him a glare. "Watch it."
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Once the food arrived, Mya's eyes lit up like it was the best day of her life. She and Chōchō dug in with matching enthusiasm, their plates emptying at an alarming speed.
Inojin stared, chopsticks frozen mid-air. "Do you two ever… chew?"
Mya, mouth full, grinned. "Nope!"
Sarada chuckled, but Inojin wrinkled his nose. "You're eating like it's the end of the world. Slow down before you choke."
Mya swallowed dramatically, then pointed a tiny finger at him. "For complaints about my attitude, please contact the manufacturer!"
Silence.
The entire restaurant seemed to pause. A nearby couple choked on their drinks. A waiter nearly dropped a tray. Sarada clapped a hand over her mouth, shoulders shaking with laughter.
Inojin's jaw dropped. "Did she just—?"
Chōchō groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Oh my gosh, Mya…"
Mya, completely unfazed, happily stuffed another bite into her mouth. "What? It's true!"
Inojin blinked, then burst out laughing. "Okay, okay, you win. That was amazing."
Chōchō peeked through her fingers, torn between embarrassment and pride. Maybe babysitting wasn't so bad after all.
At least, until Mya knocked over her juice.