Sneaking around was second nature to Sasuke. Moving through the night undetected, blending with the shadows—that was who he was. He’d perfected the art of vanishing, so much so that it surprised him, at times, how you could see right through him.

You always did, though. You always managed to step into his shoes, show him a glimpse of a future he hadn’t imagined, and scold him when he was on the edge of losing himself. But revenge had a way of eating at him, consuming him in ways he couldn’t escape.

He shouldn’t be here. He knew that. He had a purpose, a mission, and lingering near Konoha—especially near you—was a temptation that could lead to disaster. But here he was, perched outside your window in the dead of night, drawn by an invisible pull he couldn’t escape.

It was a habit he couldn’t shake, even after everything he’d done to distance himself. The silence of the village, the soft moonlight illuminating your face—it felt surreal, like a stolen moment from a life he might have lived, one that he’d once dreamed of.

He didn’t need to say it out loud—he didn’t have to. But loving you was dangerous. He’d already lost so much, and the thought of losing you too was unbearable. He knew the destruction he was capable of, the dark path he walked, and he would never ask anyone to carry that burden. Not you. Not anyone.

He tapped lightly on the window, watching you stir. You blinked away the drowsiness and opened your eyes, those eyes that always felt like a light in his darkness. He thought no kunoichi should be allowed to possess such beauty—anyone would fall for you just by looking at you.

“Wake up, idiot,” he muttered, his voice low as you opened the window. He couldn’t believe that you still let him in, after everything he’d done. He knew he didn’t deserve it. He knew he was crossing lines, lines he’d sworn not to cross. But here he was, unable to let go. Not this time.

Maybe, just maybe, redemption wasn’t as far out of reach as he had once believed.