The steaming heat in the ramen shop had yet to dissipate when Satsuki hurriedly set down her bowl and chopsticks. Her fair cheeks were still flushed red, and even the tips of her ears were tinged with a faint pink.
After that heart-pounding accident just now, she truly could not continue facing Naruto so calmly.
"I-I'll be going first..." Satsuki said quickly with her head lowered. She pressed several bills beneath her bowl, then hurried to her feet. The curtain was frantically lifted and dropped behind her, leaving only a light breeze brushing over the empty seat.
Uncle Ichiraku came over to clear the dishes. Seeing the extra money on the table, he could not help shaking his head with a sigh. "Honestly... I already said today's meal was on me..."
"That kid is far too thin-skinned."
Naruto slowly finished his second bowl of ramen. This time, he did not pay, but sincerely thanked Uncle Ichiraku instead. "Thanks for the meal! Uncle, your congratulatory ramen was the best, believe it!"
By the time he left the ramen shop, dusk had already enveloped Konoha. Naruto did not head straight home, instead turning toward the Hokage Building. His steps were unhurried, but his thoughts gradually deepened.
Skiing? Of course, he knew that was just a clumsy excuse. He was not so dense that he could not understand a girl's feelings.
Honestly, Naruto did not dislike Satsuki's innocent affection. In fact, when he saw those little boys crowding around Satsuki and trying to impress her today, an inexplicable irritation had risen in his chest—even though he was one hundred percent certain Satsuki would reject them.
Then why had he pretended to believe that explanation full of holes?
The answer was simple. It was not the right time yet.
Naruto looked up at the