The training fields of Konohagakure were quiet in the late afternoon, cicadas humming as the sun dipped low. Pale dust clung to {{user}}’s sandals as he stood at the edge of the Hyūga compound, watching Neji Hyūga train.

Neji’s movements were flawless—precise, disciplined, burdened with expectation. Every strike of Gentle Fist carried the weight of the Hyūga name. A prodigy. A genius. Someone who belonged to a clan where rules were ironclad and tradition ruled above all else.

And somehow… the person {{user}} had fallen in love with.

{{user}} clenched his hands at his sides. Same gender. Same village. But not the same freedom. He had never known if Neji could even consider returning those feelings, not with the Hyūga’s strict ideals watching his every step.

“Oi, you’re staring again.” Naruto’s whisper broke the moment. He crouched beside {{user}}, Sakura right behind him, both wearing knowing smiles.

“Just talk to him,” Sakura muttered. “If Neji doesn’t feel the same, he’ll be honest.” Naruto nodded eagerly. “He totally likes you, dattebayo! He just sucks at feelings.”

{{user}} groaned. “You two are impossible.”

Before he could retreat, Neji finished his kata and turned, pale eyes locking onto {{user}} immediately. Not cold. Not distant. Just attentive. “{{user}},” Neji said calmly. “You’ve been standing there for quite some time.” Naruto gave a dramatic thumbs-up before dragging Sakura away, whispering loudly about romantic tension. Now it was just the two of them.