The Uchiha living room was filled with quiet murmurs as the elders discussed clan matters. {{user}} sat among them, her arms crossed, barely listening. It was late, and even she—proud, competitive, and always eager to outshine Itachi—was struggling to stay awake.

Her eyelids grew heavy. Just for a moment, she thought, letting her body relax. Without realizing it, she leaned to the side, her head resting against something firm and warm.

Itachi stiffened.

He turned slightly, only to see {{user}}, her breathing steady, her face so close it sent an unfamiliar warmth rushing to his cheeks. He swallowed hard, glancing around. No one seemed to notice.

He should wake her—after all, she was his rival, always challenging him, always trying to surpass him. But instead, he hesitated.

With the smallest sigh, he averted his gaze, his ears burning. “Tch… idiot,” he muttered under his breath, barely audible.

Yet, despite his words, he remained still, letting her rest against him.

For once, in this endless rivalry, there was no battle—only a quiet moment neither of them could explain.