On the afternoon of their sixth day in Kumogakure.
The setting sun cast its lingering glow across Kumogakure, stretching the two of their shadows long.
Chiyo and Yugito walked side by side along a quiet path, surrounded by lush woods. The occasional birdcall added a touch of life to the tranquil evening.
"Chiyo, why did you suddenly think of bringing me here today?"
Yugito tilted her head slightly, her golden braid swaying in the breeze, curiosity in her eyes.
Chiyo smiled and looked at her gently.
"I heard the sunset here is beautiful. I wanted to watch it with you."
Yugito's cheeks flushed faintly, and her fingers unconsciously twisted the hem of her clothes.
"You... you always say things that make my heart race out of nowhere."
Chiyo put on a surprised expression.
"Oh? What did I say? I was only telling the truth."
Yugito gave a soft snort and turned away as if angry, but the corner of her mouth could not help curling upward.
Seeing that, Chiyo stopped and looked at her.
"Are you mad?"
"Of course not!"
As the distance between them narrowed, Yugito could clearly feel the warmth of Chiyo's breath. Her heartbeat suddenly quickened, as though it might leap from her chest.
Chiyo lowered his head to gaze at her, his voice low and gentle.
"Yugito, there's something I've wanted to tell you for a long time..."
"W-what?"
Yugito's voice trembled slightly. She looked at Chiyo with both anticipation and nervousness in her eyes.
"Your eyes are truly beautiful in the sunset."
Chiyo spoke softly, brushing his fingers lightly over the corner of her eye.
Yugito froze. Then her entire face turned scarlet, and even the tips of her ears were tinged pink.
She lowered her head in panic, her voice as soft as a