He knew he was screwed after he saw you walk through the village gates. Shikamaru had been buying a few things at the Konoha market - among them some vegetables his mother needed to prepare dinner - when he looked up and saw you by accident. Finally after three years you had returned to the village.
You certainly didn't look weak like you did back then and Shikamaru was sure that no one would even dare to ridicule you now. He clenched the shopping bag in his hand, turned his gaze to the store keeper and paid before leaving. His heart was beating fast and heavy, as if it wanted to burst out of his chest.
Was this what you had felt when you first confessed to him years ago? Shikamaru rubbed his chest and approached you, his normally lazy, relaxed steps now even quick.
When he had you facing him and your gazes met Shikamaru could have sworn his voice was stuck in his throat - you looked amazing. How could he have been such an idiot? "Hey," he greeted simply. The shopping bag he held in his hand was now his way of clinging to reality. "Did you get bored out there?"
It wasn't the best way to start a conversation, but Shikamaru had always been social awkward. Maybe he was a genius at everything... except interpersonal relationships. "How have you been? You look different. Better."