After parting ways with Hiashi, Uchiha Hikaru originally planned to head straight to the Konoha Police Department and spend the day slacking off.

But then he remembered Tsunade was currently in the capital of the Land of Fire, overseeing the transition of power to the next daimyo.

For a brief moment, his conscience pricked at him. Tsunade was working so hard… How could he justify lazing around like this?

With a sigh, he stopped by Ichiraku Ramen, picked up a deluxe takeout bowl, and made his way to the Hokage Building.

Standing at the base of the structure, he looked up at it—and recalled the many times Shizune had prepared meals for him and Tsunade in their shared home.

He also thought of the two sets of bedsheets and quilts that always hung in the yard to dry.

Tsunade might not notice Shizune's gaze during normal days, but Hikaru had always sensed it clearly.

Whenever their eyes accidentally met, Shizune would immediately look away—either lowering her head, turning aside, or busily occupying herself with work.

Hikaru understood that feeling all too well. Shizune was still young, and with Tsunade away… it was the perfect opportunity to turn the slow-burning warmth between them into something more tangible.

He made his way slowly up the stairs, stopping outside the Hokage's office.

Knock, knock, knock.

"Come in."

Opening the door, Hikaru stepped into the office and found Shizune seated at the desk, sorting through an intimidating stack of documents.

"Just leave the file on the side table," she said without looking up. "I'll get to it in a bit."

Without a word, Hikaru walked over and placed the bag containing Ichiraku ramen down on her desk.

The familiar scent tickled Shizune's nose. She blinked, raised her head instinctively, and—

"Lord —Uchiha Hikaru!"

"You're here?!"

The moment their eyes met, Shizune's chair scraped sharply against the floor as she jumped to her feet—having accidentally kicked the desk in her panic. The chair nearly tipped backward before she righted herself, flustered.

Hikaru walked slowly behind her. Shizune avoided his gaze, her eyes flicking away nervously as he approached.

Then, she felt two warm, broad hands settle on her shoulders.

In one smooth motion, he gently pressed her back down into the chair.

"Ah—!"

Hikaru pushed the chair in slightly, ensuring she sat comfortably again.

"Tsunade's not in the village right now."

"With the aftermath of the war, there's too much going on in Konoha."

"Even Shikaku is run ragged."

"You're handling all this yourself, Shizune. You've been working so hard lately."

"Take a break. Eat something. I'll help with the documents."

He turned back to the desk, unwrapped the plastic bag, and placed the steaming bowl of ramen right in front of her.

Shizune stared at him in a daze, momentarily lost for words.

He's so thoughtful…

Hikaru gathered the paperwork from her desk and carried it over to the nearby table, then sat down and began working through them without another word.

Shizune watched in a daze as his fingers moved gracefully over the documents, handling them with surprising focus.

Sunlight streamed in through the window behind him, casting a warm glow along his shoulders.

A few loose strands of hair fell across his face, shadowing his sharp jawline and striking profile. His features were as captivating as ever—handsome and commanding, effortlessly magnetic to a woman of her age.

But it was the contrast between his rough, commanding aura and his current silent dedication to paperwork that made her heart race.

Her pulse quickened, her cheeks flushed pink.

Unconsciously, she rested her chin in her hand, quietly observing him.

His angular brows knit slightly as he concentrated. His posture was relaxed, but his focus never wavered. The sleeves of his cloak slid slightly up his forearms, revealing strong wrists and well-formed hands.

Her eyes trailed silently over his frame—his shoulders, back, waist, chest, fingers—devouring the view with growing boldness.

"If you don't eat soon, the ramen's going to get cold."

"Wouldn't want Teuchi-san to get angry about that."

"A-ah! Sorry!"

Shizune jolted upright. She hadn't even realized how blatantly she'd been staring.

Even in the middle of paperwork, Hikaru had noticed.

Flustered, she fumbled for the chopsticks.

Snap!

She split them hastily, shut her eyes, and clapped her hands together.

"Thanks for the food…"

Then, cheeks still burning, she began to eat.

For days now, she had been working late into the night—sometimes sleeping right in her chair, only to wake up and dive back into unfinished work.

She hadn't even realized how hungry she was.

But as soon as she took the first bite of those soft, springy noodles, the suppressed hunger burst forth.

Her entire body reacted, as if thanking her for finally providing energy and warmth.

She'd eaten Ichiraku Ramen many times before—but this was, without question, the best bowl she'd ever had.

Maybe it was because of how hungry she was.

…Or maybe it was because he brought it.

She ate quickly, savoring every bite of the noodles and drinking down the savory broth until the bowl was empty.

"I'm full~…"

Replenished and revived, Shizune leaned back slightly, feeling warmth settle in her stomach and her mood improve dramatically.

She tossed the disposable bowl and chopsticks into the trash, then turned to glance at Hikaru, still diligently processing documents nearby.

Her lips curled up in a soft, satisfied smile.

Then she returned to her own stack of papers, quietly continuing her work.

But something felt different.

There was a quiet joy in her chest now. A strange motivation rising from deep inside.

It wasn't like working with Lady Tsunade. Sure, Tsunade's presence was comforting, and her eccentric reactions often made Shizune laugh.

But with Hikaru… there was something else.

Beyond the usual peace of companionship, there was warmth. A strange feeling she couldn't describe. Comforting… yet charged with a subtle energy.

Like basking in a field of flowers on a perfect spring day.

Uchiha Hikaru glanced over at her, catching the peaceful look on her face and the small smile she wore.

His lips quirked upward slightly.

How could I forget you… such a lovely girl…

Then he returned his attention to the documents in his hands.

And continued working silently beside her.

…

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