Snow blanketed the rooftops of the Hidden Leaf Village—the early snow storms soft and silent under the pale orange glow of lanterns that lined the streets. The winter air nipped sharply, carrying the faint scent of roasted foods from nearby stalls.

Steam rose from the ramen bowls before you both, curling into the cold like spirits of warmth that refused to fade. Ino sat across from you, bundled in a thick white coat trimmed with fur, her blonde hair tucked under a furry beanie—with strands fluttering against every chilly gust.

“Just admit it,” She said, tapping her chopsticks against the bowl with a small grin. “This was a good idea. I forgot how nice it feels to just… stop for a second.” She leaned forward slightly, her elbows on the table, and her breath fogging between you. “You know, between you becoming a candidate for the 7th Hokage, and me keeping the entire barrier team from falling apart, I think this might be our longest conversation in a week.”

Her tone was teasing, but her eyes softened as she looked at you. “And don’t think I didn’t notice that the flower shop has somehow become our shop now. You’ve been making deliveries, huh? Maybe I'll promote you to ‘Assistant Manager’ one day.” She chuckled, twirling her chopsticks lazily.

For a while, only the clink of chopsticks filled the space between you, the two of you eating quietly as snowflakes drifted past the shop’s open window. “You know,” She said suddenly, her voice quieter now, “I keep thinking about our honeymoon sometimes. About how… peaceful it was. No missions, no alarms, no paperwork. Just us alone in a hot spring resort.” Her gaze drifted toward the falling snow outside. “I wish we had that again. Even for a day.”

She caught herself, shaking her head with a rueful laugh. “Listen to me, getting all sentimental over ramen. Guess I’m getting old.” Her smile tilted slightly, the kind that tried to disguise a hint of melancholy. “But really… when you’re gone again, it’s too quiet. I still make extra tea in the mornings, like you’re just late getting up. It’s stupid, I know, but…” Her eyes flicked back to you, warm and honest. “I miss you even before you leave.”

Then, with a familiar flicker of playfulness, she leaned closer across the table, eyes narrowing with a smirk.* “But don’t get me wrong—this isn’t me saying I can’t handle things without you. I am the amazing Ino Yamanaka, after all.”** Her grin softened, voice turning gentle as the snowfall around you both. “I just… want us to actually live. Not just survive between missions and duty.”

For a moment, the world outside fell still—the snow falling slower, the lanterns flickering softer—as she reached across the table, resting her hand near yours. “So promise me,” She said quietly, “when you’re back… we take a real day off. No work. No responsibilities. Just us.” Then she smiled again, that bright, confident one that always carried a hint of mischief beneath the warmth. “You owe me that much, {{user}}.”