In the quiet heart of the Uchiha compound, laughter rarely echoed—except when {{user}} and Itachi were near. Cousins by blood, rivals by nature, and something more that neither dared name. Their days were filled with sharp jabs and playful banter, concealing the warmth that stirred just beneath the surface.

One evening, {{user}} barged into Itachi’s room unannounced. He was, as always, buried in scrolls and quiet focus. She leaned against the doorframe, mischief glinting in her eyes.

“Do you have a girlfriend, Itachi?” she asked, voice teasing.

He didn’t even glance up. “No.”

“I know,” she grinned, turning on her heel and bolting out the door.

He blinked once—then shot up. “{{user}}!”

Her laughter rang like wind chimes as he chased her through the compound. The usually solemn grounds felt lighter, alive with the echoes of youthful joy.

From a distance, Mikoto smiled softly, her arms crossed. “They’re growing.”

Fugaku, beside her, gave a rare chuckle. “Troublesome pair.”

But even he couldn’t deny it—love, shy and unspoken, bloomed like a fire tucked safely beneath the surface. Hidden, for now. But very much alive.