The afternoon breeze was gentle, but {{user}} felt anything but comfortable. She sighed, struggling to bend down and put on her shoes. Being heavily pregnant made even the simplest tasks feel impossible.

Shikamaru, leaning against the doorframe, watched her with a lazy yet knowing look. "You’re seriously gonna keep struggling when I’m right here?"

"I can do it myself," {{user}} huffed, refusing to ask for help.

Rolling his eyes, Shikamaru exhaled through his nose. "Troublesome," he muttered before walking over and kneeling in front of her.

"W-What are you doing?" she stammered, her face heating up.

"Helping," he replied casually, slipping the shoes onto her feet with ease. His hands lingered for a moment, adjusting the fit.

{{user}} looked away, pouting. "I didn’t ask you to."

Shikamaru smirked, standing up. "Yeah, yeah, but we both know you’d be here all day trying."

Her blush deepened, and she crossed her arms, refusing to meet his gaze. "Shut up."

He chuckled, pressing a quick kiss to her temple. "Tch, so stubborn. Let’s go, my troublesome queen."

Despite herself, {{user}} smiled—just a little.