It's Not Really A Date, but is sort of kinda (Boruto x Sarada)

Part 7

Hinata's expression softened as her gaze fell back upon her daughter. "Himawari, every one deals with grief in their own way. And if Kawaki needs time alone to process his emotions then we need to respect his wishes and give him his space. And when he does need someone to talk to or just try to understand, we'll be there for him." Himawari looked back to her mother's eyes and her sad look soon became a hopeful smile.

"Considering what we know of Kawaki's past, perhaps it is somewhat understandable he is still learning to adapt to being part of a community." Mitsuki finally spoke voicing his observations out loud to no one in particular. "I can relate to that to an extent. But it's clear he does recognise how precious this community is to him and that he truly treasures the people he has connected with, even if he struggles to show it at times. In that regard I think you and he are a lot alike Boruto." he finished by addressing the blonde youth directly.

"Wh-what?!? Don't go comparing me to Kawaki Mitsuki!!" Boruto reacted in a fluster. "We're two completely different people! Y-Y'know! Seriously!!"

And that response confirmed the artificial human's suspicions. Aside from Mitsuki's heightened senses encoded into his biometric design that enabled him to distinguish and interpret Chakra signatures, Boruto rarely went this long into a sentence without saying "y'know" or sounded it out so forcefully. And never did he finish a sentence with a word immediately after it. This Boruto Uzumaki was a Shadow-Clone!!

But as far as Mitsuki could tell, he was the only one aware of this revelation. Admittedly he knew Lord 7th had utilised similar tactics in the past, although in more recent times in an attempt to balance family life with the pressures of being Hokage. But what was Boruto's objective here in deceiving his family and friends in such a way? And what was engaging the real Boruto's mind right now?

Himawari looked to her older brother thoughtfully, until a suspicious smile crept across her face. "Ohhh I know! Maybe Kawaki's not coming out with us because of a girl!?!"

"Ha-Wait!? Who!?! W-who said anything about a girl!? I don't know anything..." Boruto (the clone) spluttered frantically, before registering who his younger sister was talking about and corrected himself (before either of the boys could add "Obviously"). "...Uh, I mean... Kawaki and a girl? No way Hima. Like he'd be interested in anything sappy or sentimental like that. Or like any girl would actually be into him.", "Boruto! You shouldn't just make assumptions about Kawaki or other people like that." Hinata scolded her son ('s clone) again sternly, making him shrink back again. "Your mother's right Boruto. Kawaki may act tough and standoffish on the outside but he does have his tender side. And romance really can come through for just about anyone when you least expect it. It sure did for me." Naruto then turned to his beloved wife with a wide grin which she returned with a sweet smile, and Himawari's smile looked suspiciously smug.

An idea occured to Mitsuki to stir the waters. "Perhaps Boruto knows more about Kawaki's romantic situation than he's letting on? Or perhaps about romance in general?" Boruto then looked like he was about to go into full-on panic mode when Inojin butted in (before Denki could stop him). "Yeah right Mitsuki! Saying Boruto knows anything about romance is like saying Metal understands sarcasm-", "But wait! Are not Boruto-kun and Sarada-san particularly close? Do they not have the potential to become a romantic couple?" Metal announced his observations 'tactfully', having failed to register the pale-skinned Shinobi's 'subtle' jibe at him.

"No! I! That doesn't! Wait, I mean! Me and SARADA!?!?! C'mon, Seriously!!" Boruto blustered, now looking like he HAD gone into full-on panic mode. Naruto Uzumaki softly chucked at his son getting flustered and Hinata wore a knowing smile. And Himawari with glowing cheeks looked like she was ready to take Chocho's place as Konohagakure's Official Shinobi Shipper! Then Shikadai added his own observation. "Well, if you and Sarada DO get things going, maybe Iwabee here could give you some pointers? Assuming he and Wasabi get their act together-"

"SERIOUSLY!! DUDE!! SHUT!! UP!!!!!" Iwabee and Boruto yelled irritably as one at the ponytailed youth. At this most people in the group chuckled at the two red-faced boys, even Hinata and her daughter giggled slightly. All except Mitsuki whose prior observations regarding his teammates, and the secret Shadow-Clone among them, now seemed to make perfect sense. 'Could that be the reason?' he pondered to himself.

Eventually Naruto got over his fit of chuckles, and he turned back to the group of boys with a serious but still friendly expression. "Anyway boys. I'm glad you're all enjoying yourselves tonight. But that said, Konohagakure will be hosting guests from multiple lands this year. We might even be welcoming the other 'kages? So I hope I can count on all of you to continue to uphold the Leaf's reputation! Just... don't do anything too crazy, alright?"

In response all the other boys, even Mitsuki, stood to attention with serious expressions on their faces. "YES LORD 7TH! SIR!!!"

But just as Mitsuki was about to return to 'at ease' position, he thought he noticed someone (or rather TWO someones) in the distance behind a still-apprehensive-looking Boruto's back. There was something Mitsuki couldn't quite place about a certain random couple that appeared nearby. A long-black-haired girl accompanied by a ginger-haired boy that appeared from behind a nearby stall, before standing stockstill, promptly turning around and walking back in the opposite direction. And for some inexplicable reason, he couldn't help a small smile appearing on his face.