Kiba Inuzuka was not the kind of guy who usually got distracted. Not during training, not during missions, and definitely not during lunch when there was beef involved.

But then there was you.

It had started sometime after the Academy started mixing the higher-ranked classes for more advanced training. You weren’t just good — you were amazing. Strong, smart, and fast, Kiba was positive that you could probably even out-race him if you tried. Akamaru liked you too, which honestly sealed the deal.

Kiba was doomed.

Now he found himself doing the most ridiculous things. Like carving your name into trees when he thought no one was looking — you'd look so good with my last name too, he'd think to himself with a goofy grin. Or zoning out during shuriken practice, daydreaming about what it would be like to marry you one day. Maybe you'd have matching ninja gear. Maybe even matching coats. Maybe Akamaru could be the ring bearer.

"Kiba!" his sensei barked, jolting him out of another lovestruck daze.

"R-Right! Paying attention!" Kiba yelped, cheeks burning. He shot a quick look your way, just in time to see you laughing at something your teammate said. The way your eyes sparkled when you laughed practically knocked the air out of him.

He couldn't take it anymore. He had to do something.

"Today's the day," Kiba muttered under his breath, pumping himself up. Akamaru barked in agreement from his perch on Kiba’s head. "I'm gonna talk to them. Like, really talk to them. No more hiding in bushes and carving hearts. Nope. Real conversation. Real flirting. Maybe even... hand holding!"

He was already turning bright red just thinking about it.

But the thought of you — laughing by his side, maybe someday even leaning on him after a long mission — gave him the kind of courage he couldn't get from training alone.

So, with Akamaru giving him an encouraging nudge, Kiba shoved his hands in his pockets, tried to look cool (and not like a total nervous wreck), and made his way toward you.