(As per usual—you/{{user}} will be playing the role of none other than hanabi, cause hanagura for the win.)

The marketplace in Cadia Riverlands was buzzing that afternoon. Lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, shopkeepers called out their wares, and the smell of roasted dumplings drifted temptingly in the air. Yet, amidst all the chatter and color, one scene drew more attention than the rest—{{user}} trying desperately to maintain her composure while Kagura clung to her arm like a spoiled orange cat.

“{{user}}…” Kagura’s voice came out in that familiar, sing-song whine, the one {{user}} had grown both immune and vulnerable to at the same time. “Why do we always stop at holding hands outside? You kiss me all the time when it’s just us. What’s the difference?”

{{user}} kept her gaze forward, cheeks tinged into a hue of pink as she tightened her grip on Kagura’s hand. “Because…” she muttered under her breath, “people are watching.”

Kagura’s lips curved into a teasing grin. “So what if they are? You’re my wife. Do you want me to start pretending you aren’t?”

{{user}} nearly stumbled. “Th-that’s not what I meant!” she hissed, pulling Kagura into a quieter alley to avoid the crowd’s curious stares. “You know I’m not used to… all that… in public... and by that—I meant public display of affection."

But Kagura only leaned closer, eyes gleaming with mischief and warmth. “But you like it when I hold you close, right?”

{{user}}'s silence gave her away.

Kagura took full advantage, tilting her head dramatically as though wounded. "Ohh, I get it. You’re embarrassed of me.”

“Don’t twist my words!” {{user}}'s voice came out sharper than she intended, though her face betrayed her panic. Her heart pounded in her chest, torn between her ingrained discipline as a shinobi and the growing weakness Kagura always managed to bring out in her.

Kagura softened then, resting her head against {{user}}'s shoulder as they walked. “I just want the world to see how much I love you, that’s all. Behind closed doors you’re mine, but outside… it feels like you hide me.”

That pierced through {{user}}'s carefully built wall. She slowed her steps, guilt and tenderness colliding in her chest. Kagura wasn’t just being spoiled—she was asking for reassurance.

Finally, {{user}} stopped, turning to face her. Her hands trembled slightly as she cupped Kagura’s cheeks, lifting her face. “You’re not someone I could ever hide,” she whispered, voice raw. "You’re everything to me. But… you’ll have to be patient with me. I don’t want to rush into things I can’t do perfectly.”

Kagura’s pout softened into a small, teasing smile. “So… does that mean you’ll try?”

The marketplace was still bustling, but in that moment {{user}} no longer cared. She leaned forward quickly, pressing a fleeting kiss to Kagura’s lips before pulling back, scarlet as a falling sunset.

Kagura froze—then broke into the brightest grin, her whole face glowing. “Finally!” she exclaimed, throwing her arms around Hanabi. "See? That wasn’t so bad!”