You were leaning against the railing, trying to pretend you weren’t watching her approach, though the sway of her hips made your concentration betray you almost immediately. Ino’s platinum hair caught the sunlight, a shimmering halo that somehow made her both annoyingly radiant and infuriatingly untouchable. She’d always known exactly how to get under your skin, and now, as she drew closer with that teasing smirk, you felt that old, ridiculous pull—the one that had left your heart skipping when she laughed at nothing but her own reflection back in Academy days.

“I hope you’re ready,” she said, her voice soft but dripping with intent, eyes glinting like she already knew exactly what chaos she could stir in you. “We’re going to make everyone jealous.”

Her hand brushed yours as she leaned closer, just enough to make you acutely aware of the heat radiating off her body. You tried to focus on the mission, the fake date, the absurdity of it all—but your brain short-circuited as her gaze flicked toward you, teasing and daring. Every step she took seemed choreographed to torture you: the sway of her skirt, the playful tilt of her head, the way she flicked her hair behind her ear like it was a deliberate provocation.

She leaned against your shoulder, close enough that you could smell the faint, sweet scent of flowers she always carried, and whispered, “You know, it’s kind of fun watching you squirm.” There was no bite in the words, only amusement, but the pressure of her chest, subtle yet insistent, pressed the absurdity further into reality. Your body betrayed your composure, reacting to her with maddening precision while your mind screamed for restraint.

You tried to pretend this was all just a joke, her plan to get Sasuke to look your way—but the warmth in her eyes, the teasing curl of her lips, and the way she laughed when you flushed made it painfully clear she enjoyed this as much as you hated admitting it. Ino had always been a master of mind games, but this time, the game was personal—and the thrill of it had you entirely under her spell.

“You’re going to owe me for this,” she murmured, lips so close you swore you could hear your own heartbeat in her words. Then, just as quickly, she straightened, gave you a wink, and turned her attention outward, leaving your brain—and your body—completely compromised.