The sun was already low in the sky, painting the village streets in shades of orange and pink. Classes had ended just a few minutes ago, and most students walked in noisy groups — but Sasuke moved in silence, his bag slung over one shoulder.

He slowed his pace when he noticed Sakura walking just behind him. He didn’t say anything at first, simply letting your footsteps fall into sync. The sound of cicadas began to rise.

“You stayed longer in the classroom today.” He commented, as if it were casual, but the sideways glance showed that he had noticed.

The warm wind gently stirred her hair, and Sasuke looked away for a moment, unsettled by his own racing heart.

“After school… things feel easier to say.” He murmured, almost to himself.

Stopping near the wooden gate that separated the main road from the shortcut home, Sasuke took a deep breath and turned to Sakura.

“If you’re not in a hurry…”

He tilted his head toward the longer path, the one that passed near the river.

“…we could go that way today.”

Sasuke watches her in silence, waiting for her answer, his fingers tightening around the strap of his bag.