"Sure..."
Hinata smiled sweetly, happiness written all over her face.
Cooking a meal together with Naruto...
In Hinata's mind, that had once been a dream she'd never dared to imagine...
But now, it was really happening!
Hinata took out the vegetables Naruto had prepared and began washing them very carefully.
"Wow, Hinata, I didn't know you were good at cooking, too..."
"I-I'm all right..."
Hearing Naruto say that, Hinata suddenly grew nervous.
I absolutely can't mess this up. I'm making this meal with Naruto-kun, so I have to wash everything perfectly clean...
"Byakugan..."
"Activate!"
Naruto jumped in fright. "Whoa!"
"You don't have to activate the Byakugan just to wash vegetables, Hinata!"
"B-because I want to do my best. This is the first time I've ever cooked with Naruto-kun..."
Naruto didn't quite understand, but he still nodded.
"Okay! Then I can't lose to you, either!"
"Shadow Clone Technique!"
In an instant, Naruto created two shadow clones, and they began bustling around the kitchen like mad.
Hinata: "..."
With each of them harboring their own thoughts and trying to outdo the other, they somehow managed to finish a sumptuous meal.
By then, it was already past noon.
Naruto and Hinata carried the dishes to the table and sat down together, both somewhat tired.
"Ah, I'm exhausted. But it looks delicious!"
Naruto burst into laughter.
Blushing, Hinata nodded, too.
"Okay, Hinata, let's dig in!"
"Don't hold back. Make yourself at home!"
Hinata's heart fluttered again.
Home...?
Blushing, she pressed her hands together, as if offering a devout prayer.
"Then... let's eat, Naruto-kun..."
Hinata ate the meal she and Naruto had cooked together, feeling happier than she could ever have imagined.
The world wasn't perfect. It was even cruel and cold, filled with pain and regrets.
But at least, in this moment...
Hinata felt