Konohamaru woke up in a haze of sleepiness the following day, feeling more groggy than he had in months. He fumbled for his watch to check the time and was met with a shock – it was already well into the afternoon. Panic shot through him as he realized he overslept and ran terribly late for work.
In a flurry of movements, he hastily threw on an undershirt, his riveted mail jacket, and shinobi uniform, fastened his flak jacket, wrapped his signature scarf around his neck, and secured his headband. Skipping breakfast hurriedly, he dashed out the door, his heart pounding.
The Hokage's mansion loomed before Konohamaru as he arrived, his hurried steps echoing through the corridor. Thoughts raced through his mind, a jumble of explanations and excuses aimed to justify his tardiness. Bursting into his office, he narrowly avoided a collision with his desk, his heart pounding from the sudden adrenaline rush. He took a moment to catch his breath, his chest rising and falling as he tried to regain his composure. Around him, fellow shinobi glanced in his direction, curiosity evident in their eyes.
"Konohamaru, what are you doing here?" a coworker inquired with a quirked brow, a hint of amusement tugging at the corners of their lips. A bemused expression lingered as they stared into his office.
Meeting Moegi's gaze, Konohamaru's thoughts snapped to attention. Her presence brought comfort and unease – a childhood friend who now stood before him, her question laden with concern and teasing.
"Hello, earth to Konohamaru," Moegi's voice held an annoyed edge, her impatience clear as she tapped into their shared history. "Are you awake in there? Aren't you on a break, you numbskull? You're not supposed to be here."
The realization hit him like a crashing wave, his shoulders slumping under its weight. A mix of frustration and self-disapproval painted his expression as he mumbled, "Damn it," his voice a soft undertone to the surrounding activity. His fingers instinctively moved to his temples, massaging away the tension as he mentally chastised himself for his oversight.
Pushing himself away from his desk, Konohamaru found himself facing Moegi. Gratitude and embarrassment mingled as he offered her a wry smile. "Thank you so much, Moegi," he admitted, his voice a blend of relief and sheepishness, "It completely slipped my mind, haha."
Moegi's disbelief was palpable, her palm meeting her face almost reflexively. "God, you're like a kid. Sometimes, it's like you're still that perverted knucklehead I know. How is that even possible? You forgot you're on break?"
Konohamaru's smile deepened, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I guess I've just been working so much that it's become a habit, so I don't even know what a break is. Thanks for the reminder. I'm going home and relaxing then." His words carried a sense of satisfaction and joy, a hint of anticipation for the leisure that awaited him.
Moegi's exasperation lingered in a sigh. "If I didn't tell you, I bet you would have been doing paperwork all day and trying to get another mission until Lord Seventh reminded you."
A genuine chuckle escaped Konohamaru's lips, his amusement accompanied by a nod of agreement. "You're probably right. Glad you got to me before I wasted the whole day," he conceded, his tone light as he thought of the situation.
Moegi's frustration seemed to subside, replaced by a mix of fond irritation and friendship. "I have no clue what Hanabi sees in you, honestly," she admitted, a hint of teasing in her tone. "Anyway, have fun on your break, and I'll see you around – and it better not be here."
"See ya," Konohamaru called after her with a wave, a small smile lingering as he watched her retreating form. Stepping away from his office, he exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. The fatigue and annoyance that had gripped him earlier seemed to lighten, replaced by a sense of relief and anticipation for the well-deserved break that lay ahead.
The weight of work-related stress was clearly taking a toll on him, his usually composed demeanor showing signs of strain. As he started walking back towards his home, his attention was grabbed by the sight of Hanabi approaching the Hokage Mansion. Despite his tired state, he mustered a faint smile and decided to greet her, hoping for a brief moment of respite from the relentless pace of the village's demands and his thoughts of overworking.
"Hey Hanabi, managed to catch you this time," Konohamaru greeted with a relieved smile.
"Konohamaru, why are you all dressed up for work? Didn't you get a two-week vacation?" Hanabi asked, looking perplexed.
Konohamaru scratched his head and leaned in, speaking in a hushed tone. "Yeah, the break, I totally blanked. I guess I just forgot. Also, sorry about yesterday. I'll make it up to you, I promise."
Hanabi's concern was detectable as she replied, "You really need to take better care of yourself. Oh, and don't worry about yesterday; remember not to startle me like that again, okay?" The warmth in her voice hinted at a deeper connection between them.
"You can make it up to me any time, though." Hanabi's words held a mix of fondness and a hint of something else she was trying to suppress.
Konohamaru chuckled softly, trying to ease the tension. "Yeah, I'll make it up to you, promise." He winked playfully but then shifted his tone to a more serious one. "And don't worry, I won't do anything that would get me on another conduct report." He let out a self-conscious laugh, remembering the incident from yesterday.
Hanabi couldn't help but smirk at his words, a mixture of emotions dancing in her eyes. "You better not. We wouldn't want that to become a habit, would we?" She shot him a teasing look, her voice regaining some of its usual composure.
Konohamaru raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a mischievous grin. "Oh, I don't know. Getting on your bad side might be worth it if it means I get to see you more often," he quipped, his tone a mix of playfulness and flirtation.
Hanabi rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of a blush coloring her cheeks. "You're impossible," she muttered, though her lips curled into a more noticeable smile.
Their banter continued for a while, the playful exchange serving as a reminder of their shared connection. As the conversation shifted to lighter topics, they walked side by side, their steps unconsciously matching.
" By the way," Konohamaru began, shifting the topic while walking beside Hanabi, "I was talking to Udon yesterday, and he mentioned that academy students are into these new shinobi switch consoles. You know anything about that?"
Hanabi quickly responded to his inquiry, "Oh, a shinobi switch? Yeah, I actually have one. Only one store in the entertainment and shopping district sells them. Is that what you're getting for Boruto's birthday?"
Konohamaru nodded in response as he vented his thought process, "Yeah, that's the plan. Udon threw in the suggestion, and it makes sense. Boruto's heading into the academy this year, so I thought I'd break away from the usual shinobi cards I usually give him. Want his gift to have a bit more oomph, you know?"
Hanabi voiced her affirmation, "Yeah, that makes sense, but that gift is also my birthday idea for Boruto. Since he keeps using mine when he comes over, I decided to buy him one, but I didn't buy him any games. How about you do that." Hanabi smiled proudly at her suggestion.
"Oh, that sounds like a great idea. Thanks, Hanabi, you're a lifesaver," Konohamaru asserted, clapping his hands together in a praying gesture.
Konohamaru's impulsiveness led him to tenderly kiss Hanabi's cheek as a gesture of gratitude as he was about to take off. Her immediate reaction was a mix of surprise and flustered cautiousness, "Konohamaru, not during work hours!"
Konohamaru's mischievous grin grew wider at her response, taking her words as a playful challenge. Hanabi turned her gaze away. Her cheeks tinged with a delicate shade of pink as she tried to regain her composure. "Technically, I'm not on duty, so I can do whatever I want," he teased, his tone hinting at playful defiance.
Hanabi, still bashful, quickly countered, her voice carrying a mixture of concern and exasperation, "That's not how it works, you dummy. What if someone saw?"
Konohamaru's grin softened into a more sincere expression as he met her gaze, a subtle intensity in his eyes. "I'll see you later," he promised, his words imbued with anticipation as he turned to leave.
As he walked away, Hanabi's bashfulness seemed to persist, her cheeks still flushed from his bold actions in public as she watched him depart with a touch of confidence coming back to her. She softly uttered, "See you."
The remainder of the day stretched ahead of Konohamaru as he immersed himself in the lively streets of the entertainment and shopping district. The ambiance was a whirlwind of colors, sounds, and scents, each step guiding him through a symphony of life in motion. His purpose was singular as he navigated the bustling thoroughfares, his resolve unwavering in his search for the elusive shinobi switch store.
With every shop he passed that failed to meet his expectations, an inner monologue played out, self-critique weaving through his thoughts like a steady undertone. "I should have asked Hanabi for more specific directions," he lamented, the realization of his misjudgment a constant reminder. "Why did I try to be cheeky instead of focusing on the crucial details?"
As the sun's embrace began to loosen, hours slipped away like grains of sand through his fingers. Konohamaru found himself circling back to his starting point, a bittersweet sense of irony settling upon him. There, in enormous letters above a mega store, was the very sign he had been searching for – an advertisement proudly proclaiming the shinobi switch. The recognition that he had passed it earlier, consumed by thoughts of how quickly he could make Hanabi blush, brought forth a mixture of amusement and mild annoyance. "Some elite shinobi I am," he mused with a hearty chuckle, self-awareness mingling with a sense of irony.
Finally locating the store he had overlooked earlier, Konohamaru stepped inside. The air transformed into a realm of gaming wonder. Konohamaru engaged with a knowledgeable clerk, discussing game titles and features filling the space around them. As he made his selections, a swell of accomplishment blossomed within him. The anticipation of the upcoming birthday party added an extra layer of excitement, making the day's efforts feel genuinely worthwhile.
Konohamaru's stomach rumbled as he returned home, reminding him that he had forgotten to eat. His groan echoed in his apartment as he realized he had gone without a proper meal the entire day. Resolving to remedy the situation, he headed to a nearby ramen shop that he often frequented. The familiar scent of the place instantly brought a sense of comfort as he slid into a seat and placed his order.
As he finally started to enjoy the warmth of his bowl of ramen, a voice from behind him sent a shiver down his spine. "How's your meal coming along, Konohamaru-senpai?" The unexpected voice near his ear made him start so violently that he nearly knocked over his bowl. His heart raced as he quickly turned around, only to be met with the sight of the Hyuga heiress, a devilish grin on her lips.
Seizing the opportunity, Hanabi smoothly sat beside him and placed her order without missing a beat. Konohamaru observed her with surprise and amusement as she effortlessly settled in. As they waited for their meals to arrive, she initiated a conversation with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I finally managed to catch the great Konohamaru Sarutobi off guard today," she declared, her lips curving into an amused smile.
Caught off guard, Konohamaru chuckled and grinned back at her. "Well, you got lucky today. I'm drained right now, so you caught me off my game, especially considering I'm on a break," he retorted, his tone playful with undertones of tiredness.
Hanabi's soft laughter danced like a melody. Her lips curved into an enchanting smile. Drawing nearer to Konohamaru, her eyes glittered playfully, and her voice lowered into a velvety cadence that sent a tantalizing thrill through his veins. "Oh, Kono~," she purred, "how drained are you?"
Her words hung between them, a tempting invitation that stirred his senses, igniting a spark of excitement. Konohamaru blushed, his heart racing, caught off guard by her sensual naughtiness. A surprised cough slipped from his lips as he choked on his breath, cleared his throat, and tried to regain his composure. "I might feel a bit better after I eat something," he managed to stammer, his voice revealing a mix of shyness and hesitant anticipation.
Hanabi turned away momentarily to receive her meal, her voice dancing with allure. "Well, that's good. I wouldn't want to tire you out any further during your break, Konohamaru."
As she started eating, Konohamaru felt a mixture of relief and a building sense of desire that he struggled to ignore. He also continued to eat, the atmosphere between them carrying a subtle undercurrent of attraction. "I took your advice and got Boruto some games for the shinobi switch. Thanks, Hanabi," he said with a soft, appreciative smile.
Hanabi's gaze lingered on him as she took another mouthful of noodles, her words acknowledging their shared intimacy. "That's great. It's like a gift from both of us," she said, her voice infused with a warm invitation.
Konohamaru's eyes focused on Hanabi as a mouthful of noodles engorged within her cheeks. He traced his eyes across her throat, desire gleaming in his eyes. He couldn't help but chuckle, his voice carrying a teasing undertone. "I don't think it's proper for a lady to talk with her mouth full."
Once Hanabi had finished swallowing, she shot him a playful yet sultry look. She playfully jabbed him on the arm and pouted, her tone hinting at their level of intimacy and comfort. "Konohamaru, you know it's not polite to say such things to a lady, right?"
Konohamaru's grin widened in response, his playfulness unapologetic. "Yeah, but you just punched me, didn't you? I'm pretty sure that's a worse offense," he retorted with a playful glint in his eyes. He chuckled softly before adding, "And yeah, Boruto's going to love the gifts." The easy banter between them continued as a testament to their shared comfort and familiarity.
Their conversation took a serious turn as an undercurrent of intimacy rose, palpable for the both of them. Hanabi's words carried weight, tinged with a personal significance that resonated deep within Konohamaru, "Kono- did you get me a gift for tomorrow?" Her question about the gift held an unspoken desire, a longing for a tangible token of their connection.
Konohamaru's expression shifted, a mixture of realization and guilt washing over him like a tide. He hurried to respond, his voice tinged with a hint of desperation. "Umm, Hanabi, I-I'll get you something right away, I promise," his words held a mixture of regret for forgetting and determination to rectify his mistake.
As he rose from his seat, Hanabi mirrored his movement, her hand reaching out to gently touch his arm, a soft and reassuring gesture. "Kono, really, it's okay. You just got back, and it's late now. You were probably just too tired to remember," her voice was a soothing balm, offering understanding and warmth, yet a subtle yearning lingered beneath it.
Despite her understanding, Konohamaru couldn't shake off his guilt. "Hanabi, I swear I'll get you a gift by tomorrow," he said, his voice laced with determination.
As they walked, Hanabi's affectionate gaze never wavered as she spoke, "It's alright. It's late, and you're tired. Just be there tomorrow, okay? That's all I want."
Konohamaru held her hand tightly, his promise lingering as he walked her home. Guilt gnawed at him, but Hanabi reassured him, "Hey, I said it's fine. I'm not upset. You know we always prioritize the kids. Boruto's a great kid, and I'm happy you care about him as much as I do."
Despite her attempts to alleviate his guilt, Konohamaru's resolve remains unshaken. His words echoed with devotion as he let go of her hand and faced her. "Hanabi, I'll make it up to you. I swear on the honor of the Sarutobi clan," his pledge was a testament to his commitment to their relationship.
Hanabi's laughter rang like a gentle melody as she held up her hand to stifle a laugh infused with fondness and amusement. "Kono, you're taking this far too seriously," she said as her laughter subsided. She spoke again, "How about you come over tomorrow afternoon, and we can have a private celebration before Onee-chan's family and the rest of the clan arrive? I'm sure my father wouldn't mind."
Agreeing to her proposition, they held hands once again and walked in a comfortable silence as they continued to the Hyuga residence. Reaching their destination, Konohamaru turned to face Hanabi, a smile on his lips. "Well, here we are," he remarked, a touch of reluctance in his voice.
Hanabi's expression mirrored his sentiment as their hand separated, but she maintained a cheerful facade. "Yeah, I guess it's time to part ways for now," she replied, her eyes meeting his with fondness and the dissatisfaction of breaking apart.
Konohamaru leaned in and softly kissed her forehead, his fingers lightly grazing her cheek. "Have a great night, Hanabi," he said, his voice warm and sincere.
Her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. Hanabi nodded and smiled back at him. "You too, Kono. And remember, tomorrow's a new day, so no more feeling guilty about forgetting," she teased gently.
He chuckled, appreciating her attempt to lighten the mood. "Got it," he replied with a wink. "I'll see you in the afternoon."
Hanabi nodded once more, her smile lingering. "Looking forward to it," she said, her eyes holding a promise of the day ahead.
With a final exchanged glance, Konohamaru turned and began to walk away, leaving Hanabi at the entrance of the Hyuga residence. As he headed home, a sense of excitement settled over him, knowing that tomorrow was a chance to make things right and create new memories.
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