Sakura took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.
No, no, Sasuke couldn't possibly...
She stole a glance at Sasuke. He was still in the same posture, hands in his pockets and eyes fixed ahead, as if nothing had happened.
She glanced at Naruto again. He was still humming, completely unaware of what had just happened.
Sakura closed her eyes, then opened them again, deciding to shove that thought into the deepest recesses of her mind and lock it away under a hundred layers of seals.
The night breeze kept blowing, and the group kept walking.
The children's laughter faded into the distance, as did the sign for Ichiraku Ramen. Only the moonlight still followed them.
"Sakura."
Ino let go of Genya's arm, walked over to Sakura, and linked arms with her.
"Hmm?"
"Don't overthink it."
Sakura froze for a moment, then smiled.
"Okay."
The two walked side by side, just as they had when they were little.
Genya glanced back, his lips curving slightly. Hinata noticed.
Hinata asked softly.
"Genya, what are you smiling about?"
Genya shook his head.
"Nothing. I just think everyone has such a distinct personality..."
Up ahead, Naruto stopped and turned to face everyone. With his hands on his hips, he took a deep breath and shouted in his trademark booming voice.
"Tomorrow, the Training Ground! Whoever doesn't show up is a dog!"
Sasuke glanced at him.
"Childish."
Naruto glared at him.
"Are you coming or not?"
Sasuke turned his face away.
"...Yes."
Sakura looked at the two boys.
One smiled like the sun, while the other was as cold as the moon. Maybe that thought she'd had earlier wasn't so far-fetched after all.
She quickly shook her head, tossing the idea away.
The next day, at the Training Ground.
Naruto and Sasuke had