Noticing Sasuke Uchiha's awkwardness, Naruto Uzumaki chuckled and stood up, picked up the paper bag beside him, and pulled out a skewer of three-colored dango.
"I passed a sweet shop just now and bought an extra skewer. Here!"
Sasuke Uchiha's gaze settled on the translucent, soft dumplings coated in sweet sauce, and his Adam's apple bobbed slightly.
"No thanks. I'm not my brother. I don't like sweets."
Uchiha Itachi watched from the side, smiling helplessly as he gently shook his head.
Still the same as ever.
Unfortunately, Naruto Uzumaki had long since figured out Sasuke Uchiha's excuses. He walked straight over and shoved the dango into Sasuke's hand.
"Quit lying! Last time Boruto bought dango, you kept sneaking looks at them. Take it, don't be shy. I've got plenty of money for dango."
Sasuke Uchiha held the bamboo skewer, the tips of his ears quietly turning faintly red, though he still refused to give in verbally.
"...You're such a busybody."
This time, he didn't push it back, holding the dango firmly in his hand.
"Would you like to stay for dinner?"
Seeing this, Uchiha Itachi smiled and turned to Naruto with an invitation.
"Mother should have made quite a few dishes. One more place setting won't hurt. I'll let Aunt Kushina know."
Naruto Uzumaki immediately lit up with delighted surprise.
"Can I? Wouldn't that be too much trouble?"
"Not at all."
Uchiha Itachi smiled slightly.
Hearing this from beside them, Sasuke Uchiha wanted to say something, but in the end, he simply pressed his lips together without objecting, turning his face away and pretending not to care.
"Sasuke, will you join us? Mother would really like to eat with you, too."
Once Naruto agreed, Uchiha Itachi turned toward the space outside the courtyard and spoke softly. This time, although he