At that moment, she looked a bit disappointed. Inojin sighed. She did not understand why he suddenly turned his back, she was just trying to be nice? It was kind of frustrating.
- Seriously, what were you expecting Fatty...
- I... I guess it's because he is a shy boy after. Let's try to know each other well okay?!
Yodo couldn't help but burst out in laughter. Shinki? A shy boy? That brown girl said that in such a genuine way, could it be that she meant it?
- Shinki, aren't you saying anything?
Her sister was waiting for a reaction, Araya seemed more relaxed than before but he also was trying to figure out why Shinki was still that patient.
- I said all I had to say. Nothing more to add.
He closed his eyes once again, that was a sign for them not to insist.
- So what are we going to do now? Asked Yodo to change the subject of their conversation.
- Well, let's go eat something...
- Yeahh !!
Shikadai thought that maybe it would help cool down the atmosphere and Chocho became excited once again as soon as they mentioned food.
- Let's go! Shikadai is paying for us!
- Hoyy, Chocho! I never said that!
- Don't be so stingy, come on!
- Man. Such a drag.
It wasn't like it was just him and his teammates. He would have to pay for five people. Plus, knowing Chocho, she was going to eat for at least four people. Without any compassion for the one paying.
Shikadai nonchalantly looked up to the sky, a really bright blue one, where white clouds slow ran. Why not do it for this time? Even if it was tiresome, it was to spend good times with his cousins. Let's make an effort.
- Yeah, let's go.
They followed him. They tried to have a conversation with the Suna's brothers, but as expected Yodo was barely listening to them, she was nodding from time to time. The music was leading her mind somewhere else out of Konoha, and she barely spoke to them. Araya was way too shy to hold any conversation, he also nodded from time to time. Shinki's vibes just didn't appeal to anyone. After Chocho failed to initiate a friendship with him, there was no point in trying again for no one.
- Oh! Shikadai!
A jovial sounding voice made them turn around. Shikadai was bringing the burgers trays with Inojin when he recognized that voice.
- Boruto?
- Hey! What's up, man?!
Then he saw Sarada and Mitsuki behind his blond friend.
- Do we have to eat here, like, every single time? Complained Sarada.
- Their Burgers are the best!
Boruto was enthusiastic as usual. Sarada looked like she was already done with him, nevertheless, she liked seeing him that happy every time they would come here.
- Plus, the majority of us wanted to come here!
- That's not fair because you know Mitsuki is always going be on your side!
Mitsuki just smiled while Sarada was getting angry, he did not even try to deny.
He was the one noticing first that the Ino-Shika-Cho trio did not come alone this time.
Shinki and he made eye contact first.
Without saying anything, they stared at each other for a moment.
When Sarada noticed them, she couldn't help but exclaim, bringing Boruto attention as well. They looked all surprised to see their past opponent again. Shikadai felt obligated to tell them the reasons why his cousins were here.
- Oh, I see. Well nice to have you here again! Said Boruto. Let's all eat together!
None of them responded. An awkward silence settled down while Boruto wide smile was still on his face.
- Huh? Something's wrong ? asked Boruto.
Shikadai sighed, did Boruto already forget that he cheated against almost everyone during the Chunin Exam? Things were not that easy to forget!
There were so many things Shinki meditated on. Why this boy, Mitsuki, forfeited during their fight just so he could stay here? Why did Boruto go to fight against Momoshiki knowing he couldn't win? Why did he want to cheat anyway? But, he was here, in front of them, not even making a sound. That situation seemed irrational for him, but still, he was not saying anything.
He gave a look to whatever was supposed to be on his plate, an extra hamburger looking especially unhealthy. He already tasted the food when he came for the Chunin Exam, but right now he didn't have any appetite... unlike this girl.
Chocho Akimichi was eating without breaks. He couldn't help but notice her luscious lips moving endlessly. Her mouth biting the food with so much energy. Watching her jaw working was impressive. Each of her bites seemed to bring her so much joy, actually, she looked adorable. Once again, he caught himself staring at her way too long.
- Another one!
She shouted as she finished her last burger.
- Hoy Chocho, go easy on me! Said Shikadai fearing for his wallet.
- What about starting a diet Fatty...
- Just shut up blondie, I will start a diet only if I want to, for now, I want to eat!
Yodo giggled watching Shikadai's expression. She knew he was already regretting his decision to pay for everyone.
- I'll pay for everyone.
Did they just hear that right?! They all stared at Shinki. Was he trying to be funny or something?
Shinki wanted to keep watching her eat. He did not really think of it that much. Yodo was surprised by that sudden initiative. Even Araya finally talked :
- Are you going to pay with the card father gave us?
- Yes. He said we can buy whatever we want.
- Heh... You're so generous today, Shinki. Noticed Yodo.
She had a mischievous look in her eyes, that Shinki chose to ignore.
Their eyes followed the young boy giving his golden card to pay the food when the employee arrived at their table. Inojin, Shikadai, and Boruto had their mouth still opened.
- You're the son of a Kage too, Boruto! Why don't you have a gold card?! Asked Inojin.
- Don't tell me...whined Boruto.
- Yayy !! More food!
Chocho was just nose-twitchingly happy, she stared at all the hamburgers at the table now. Sarada laughed at her reaction, and Mitsuki smiled. Shikadai sighed in relief, and that made Yodo burst into laughter once again.
Shinki was feeling glad to see her eat again.
The way she savored each bite while letting out a "yum" sound secretly delighted him. It was difficult to explain it, but he found that charming. She seemed to be a spontaneous person, you could tell by the expressions on her face, she looked innocent but passionate.
He could see himself watching her eat this way over and over, but suddenly, Chocho unexpectedly caught him looking at her. She gave him a cute smile while looking right into his green eyes.
He could feel his heartbeat fluttering and then wilding out all of sudden... At that point, he just couldn't control them anymore. The feeling was so disturbing, Shinki lowered his head as he felt he was blushing.
How could a simple smile from her shake his feelings up this way? He couldn't believe it, nor accept it. Something was definitely wrong with him.