Itachi's Doubts Buried Deep in His Heart

"Thud, thud."

Shimizu knocked lightly on the door, the sound ringing out with particular clarity in the silent room.

"Izumi, this is your first time carrying out a mission in such a remote and distant place. Are you having trouble adjusting?"

Shimizu's voice, feigning confusion, drifted through the gap in the door.

"Eh?"

Izumi, who had been secretly wiping away her tears, froze for a moment, her face showing a hint of panic.

"No, it's not that. I... I'm adjusting quite well here."

She shook her head quickly, her voice still carrying a lingering rasp, though her words sounded forced.

Shimizu continued with a half-smile, "Then did you have a falling out with Itachi?"

His tone was incredibly gentle.

Izumi's heart skipped a beat. Having been hit right in the center of her worries, she struggled to remain calm amidst her panic. "Th-that's not it either."

"Then may I come in?"

Inside the room, Izumi hesitated for a moment, quickly wiped the tear tracks from her face with her sleeve, and composed her expression before standing up to open the door.

Outside the door, Shimizu was leaning slightly forward, his eyes fixed on her with an expression of concern and a trace of subtle heartache.

"You've been crying, haven't you? There are still tear tracks on your face."

He said softly, his voice carrying a magnetic quality.

"Sh-Shimizu-sama."

Izumi stood at the doorway, feeling somewhat at a loss, and hurriedly stepped back to make room for him.

Compared to Itachi, who was always cold and full of sorrow, Shimizu's expression was undoubtedly much more likable.

Uchiha Izumi's mood improved slightly.

Shimizu was of the opposite sex.

And a very outstanding one at that.

Young men are always fond of gentle older sisters next door.

And young women are no different.