Sobering Stone, Half and Half

"Gulp!"

Guy's Adam's apple bobbed violently, the sound of him swallowing clearly audible.

The others beside him were even more stunned.

Ebisu's eyes widened, his sunglasses sliding down to the tip of his nose.

He looked shocked, mixed with the excitement of juicy gossip.

The senbon in Genma's mouth fell to the ground with a clatter.

"Th-this... could this be the legendary... confession?"

Even Aburame Shikuroo's hands were trembling.

"After all these years... my 'Insect User' mission... is it finally about to be fulfilled?!"

After the shock faded.

The three of them practically wanted to accept Kurenai's confession for Guy on the spot!

It was as if the ones being confessed to were the three of them.

This was the juiciest gossip imaginable for teenage boys and girls.

Even if they weren't the ones dating.

Getting to witness such a huge scoop and obtain firsthand information.

Was still incredibly exciting!

Guy, too, froze in place at Kurenai's sudden confession.

It was too sudden!

Did what I said earlier provoke Kurenai?

But in the ninja world, did dating at twelve count as puppy love?

Probably not, right?

All sorts of messy thoughts rose in Guy's mind.

Just as he was about to speak, Kurenai suddenly placed her hand over his mouth.

Her face was so red it seemed as though water could drip from it.

Even the tips of her ears and her neck were tinged pink.

She was mortified!

Kurenai's gaze darted away, and she did not dare meet Guy's eyes at all.

"Guy... y-you don't need to answer me right away..."

"I... I just wanted you to know..."

"I was worried that later... I might not have a chance to say it..."

After saying that, she abruptly pulled her hand back like a startled deer.

She turned and ran