The moon hung high over the Hidden Leaf Village, casting a silver glow over the quiet rooftops. Sasuke stood with his back against a tree just outside your apartment, arms crossed, his sharp onyx eyes watching as you approached.

“You’re late,” he muttered, though there was no real annoyance in his voice—just that familiar, quiet concern he rarely put into words.

You sighed, stretching your arms. “It’s not that late, Sasuke. Besides, I can handle myself.”

He exhaled sharply through his nose. “Hn.” That was always his answer when he didn’t feel like arguing—but you knew him well enough to see through his indifference.

Stepping closer, you reached up to brush a stray lock of his raven-black hair away from his face. “You were waiting for me, weren’t you?”

Sasuke tensed slightly at the contact but didn’t pull away. Instead, his gaze softened, and after a brief pause, he finally admitted, “Tch. Maybe.”

You smiled, lacing your fingers with his. “See? You do care.”

He scoffed, but his hand tightened around yours just slightly. “Just… don’t make me wait next time.” His voice was quiet, almost reluctant, but the warmth in his touch betrayed him.

The night air was cool, but standing so close to Sasuke, you hardly noticed.