It was almost Hanabi, and {{user}} needed new clothes. The mall was bustling with shoppers, and Minato couldn’t help but feel drained. He had been walking around for hours, carrying shopping bags with a sigh, while {{user}} excitedly searched for the perfect outfit.

“Minato, what do you think about this one?” she asked, holding up a dress that made her eyes shine.

Minato smiled, though his exhaustion was evident. “It looks great, but I think I’m ready for a break.”

Without hesitation, Minato found a chair nearby, finally setting down the heavy bags. As he slouched into the chair, he noticed Fugaku sitting a few feet away, also looking tired. He chuckled, knowing that Fugaku must be in the same boat, waiting for Mikoto to finish her shopping.

"Long day, huh?" Minato asked, stretching his legs.

Fugaku looked over at him and gave a small smile. “I don’t remember the last time I enjoyed shopping like this,” he replied. “Mikoto is taking her sweet time. How about you? You enjoying being a personal shopper?”

Minato sighed and rubbed his temple. “I thought I was supposed to be the one buying gifts, not carrying them around.”

Fugaku laughed. “Sounds familiar. At least you’re not alone in this. Mikoto and I do this every year.”

Minato groaned, leaning back in the chair. “I’ll have to tell her next year to go shopping with someone else.”

Fugaku raised an eyebrow. “And let Mikoto do this alone?” He chuckled. “Good luck with that.”

Minato grinned wryly. “I’ll survive… I hope.”

Both men sat in comfortable silence, watching their wives hustle through the mall, making the occasional joke about the lengths they went for Hanabi preparation.