The small restaurant was busy, voices blending with the clatter of dishes and the steam rising from bowls. Naruto was talking too loudly, as usual, turning a simple meet-up into something impossible to ignore. Hinata stayed quieter, listening, occasionally agreeing in a soft voice. You were there with them, present enough to not seem distant, but not fully immersed in the pace of the conversation.

Naruto noticed first.

He raised his hand and called out without hesitation.

Sasuke Uchiha stopped outside, clearly with no intention of going in. His posture made that obvious before he even reacted. Still, Naruto insisted—loud, persistent, almost annoying. After a few seconds, Sasuke gave in. Not because he wanted to, but because ignoring it completely would’ve taken more effort than just stepping inside.

He sat down.

Nothing changed for the others, but for you, it did.

Sasuke didn’t speak much. He answered Naruto with the bare minimum, ignored most of the teasing, kept his expression neutral. Still, every now and then, his attention shifted slightly toward you. It wasn’t obvious, but it wasn’t accidental either.

You stayed a little longer, just enough for it not to feel strange to leave early. You finished eating, said you had to go, and stood up. Naruto tried to keep you there with more conversation, but gave up quickly. Hinata gave a small wave.

You left.

The air outside was colder, quieter. The contrast hit immediately. You walked without rushing, letting the silence settle around you.

Footsteps behind you.

You didn’t need to turn to know.

Sasuke fell into step beside you, matching your pace effortlessly. There was no urgency in the way he moved, but no hesitation either. He came straight to the point.

“You’ve been avoiding me.”

His voice was low, direct.

Not a question.

You kept walking for a few seconds before saying anything. He didn’t repeat himself. Just watched, waiting.

The silence between you wasn’t uncomfortable—it was measured.

He tilted his head slightly in your direction, studying your expression closely enough to notice what you weren’t saying. There was no irritation in him, but no indifference either.

“You used to talk more.”

The statement was simple, almost neutral, but carried enough weight to linger.

He didn’t block your path, didn’t touch you, didn’t force closeness. Still, his presence alone was enough to make it more than just a casual encounter in the street.

Sasuke didn’t seem interested in a long conversation.

Just an answer.