At Sakura's home, Kizashi and Mebuki had wanted to say something.
What they had witnessed with their own eyes was already hard enough to accept—let alone what they hadn't seen.
As parents, it was truly difficult.
But Sakura had been thoroughly worn out by Sasuke during the day and was genuinely exhausted.
"Dad, Mom, I'm going to sleep. If there's anything, let's talk tomorrow."
She wasn't foolish. If she didn't retreat to her room now, she would definitely be lectured.
"...Sigh."
The two parents could only sigh helplessly.
Their daughter was no longer someone they could control.
All they could do was hope that Sasuke would truly treat her well.
…
As for Sasuke, he had only come to Ichiraku Ramen to try his luck.
He didn't expect the shop to be so quiet.
"Sasuke—"
When Ayame suddenly saw him, she thought she was dreaming. She even rubbed her eyes exaggeratedly.
She had always been cheerful and straightforward before, never showing such girlish gestures.
After all, she had never been in love.
Now that she had Sasuke—even though he was younger—this Sasuke was different.
Without realizing it, she revealed her softer, more feminine side in front of him.
Sasuke smiled. "What, is it just you tonight?"
"Sasuke… what are you planning?"
He casually hopped over the counter into the shop.
"My little lover, what do you think I'm planning?"
"It's only been a day. Didn't you miss me?"
He felt incredibly pleased.
"Sasuke…"
Ayame glanced nervously toward the street, afraid someone might see.
Then she blushed and scolded softly, "You're such a bad man."
Sasuke wrapped an arm around her waist. "And you don't like bad men like me?"
As he spoke, he directly moved to close the shop early.
"You're terrible…"
"Good thing my dad went home. If he saw this, he'd break my legs."
Sasuke's tone turned domineering. "He wouldn't dare."
"From last night on, you became my woman."
"Even your father has no right to blame you."
Ayame didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
"You're too霸—too overbearing!"
"You just realized?"
…
In the back kitchen of Ichiraku Ramen, there was a small resting area.
Tonight, it became their private world once again.
…
Afterward, as Ayame lay there too weak to move, Sasuke said softly, "I don't feel comfortable leaving you alone here."
"Come sleep at my place tonight."
Ayame was touched that even after satisfying himself, he still thought about her.
But she shook her head.
"No."
"I'm afraid Sakura might run into us. I don't want her to know about us…"
More mature than Sakura in some ways, she added, "I've watched the shop alone plenty of times before. I'll be fine."
Sasuke frowned slightly. "Before was before. Now you have me."
"If you're worried about Sakura finding out… then I'll at least take you home."
Without giving her room to refuse, he carried her back to her house.
Only after helping her lie down did he feel at ease.
"Sleep. If your father has questions later, I'll handle it."
Ayame looked at him, warmth flooding her chest.
"That won't be necessary. My dad treats me well. Even if I skip helping at the shop, he won't blame me."
Unlike Sakura, Ayame was already of age to marry.
Even if she had a boyfriend, her father wouldn't object harshly.
Sasuke smiled. "Alright."
"But if you ever feel wronged or face any trouble, tell me."
"I'll handle it."
"You're not alone anymore. Understand?"
Ayame nodded obediently.
"Mm."
"I'm leaving."
Sasuke stepped out.
This time, she didn't feel empty.
Her heart was already filled by him.
She had fully accepted her relationship with Sasuke.
…
Back home, Sasuke grabbed a quick rest.
The next morning—
Sakura hesitated.
Although she had said the night before that she would see him at the Ninja Academy, she still decided to stop by his house first.
On the way—
"Sakura…"
She ran into Naruto.
He looked a little worn down, clearly still struggling to accept her relationship with Sasuke.
"Naruto."
She felt awkward for a moment, then straightened.
She hadn't done anything wrong.
"Do you need something?"
"Nothing… I just wanted to say… I hope you and Sasuke are happy."
His voice was subdued.
That night, Sasuke's words had prevented him from spiraling into darkness.
"Thank you…"
Now that Naruto was being so understanding, Sakura strangely felt uncomfortable.
"I'm going to check if Sasuke's awake."
She headed toward Sasuke's house.
Naruto initially wanted to leave, but since he had decided to bless them, there was no need to avoid them deliberately.
…
When Sakura entered, Sasuke was indeed still asleep.
He quickly tidied himself up.
Naruto's face turned red instantly.
"I didn't see anything! I didn't see anything at all!"
He spun around, covering his eyes in panic.