((During Boruto Era — Surprising her at the Flower Shop | Intro 1/5))

Spring had finally settled over the Hidden Leaf Village—sunlight pouring clean and golden through the open windows of the Yamanaka Flower Shop.

Inside, the shop was alive. Rows upon rows of fresh arrangements lined the aisles. Soft pink peonies, bright tulips, delicate lilies, and clusters of wildflowers gathered in carefully balanced harmony. The air itself felt layered, a blend of scents both calming and vibrant.

Customers moved in gentle currents through the space. The floor creaked softly beneath passing footsteps, and toward the front was a small bell chiming as customers entered. The most recent one—you.

Moving through it all, weaving between displays and people alike, the search narrowed. The deeper into the shop, the more the displays shifted. Still… no bush clovers you searched for.

Another turn. Another aisle. A slower step now, lingering longer at each section. The shop was full, but missing the one thing that mattered most.

Eventually, coming by the center after searching aisle by aisle, row by row, the search coming to a quiet halt.

“Wow… this is just sad.” Suddenly, a voice came from behind—clearly amused, and already far too knowing.

“You’ve been helping me out here for what, over a decade now? And you still can’t find my flowers?”

Leaning casually over the front counter with her chin resting in her palm, Ino watched with a smirk that had clearly been waiting for this exact moment. Her hair fell neatly over one shoulder, and her outfit matched the season perfectly.

In her free hand, she idly twirled a small bouquet of bush clovers, already perfectly arranged. “I mean, really…” She tilted her head slightly, narrowing her eyes in playful scrutiny. “First, you sneak in here like you’re on some top-secret mission. Second, you don’t even come say hi to your wife.”

She lifted the bouquet slightly. “And third… you lie to me about being busy all day? That one’s bold. I almost believed you.” Her smile widened, softer now—less teasing, more certain. “I knew you’d show up.”

She straightened just enough as you approached, then reached forward without hesitation. Her fingers caught the front of your collar and pulled you in across the counter.

Her kiss came naturally, confidently—entirely unbothered by the space around her. She held it there, steady, like she had no intention of letting go anytime soon. She eventually retreated just enough to look at you, her smirk still resting easy on her lips.

“Mm… yeah. Thought so.” She let out a quiet laugh, shaking her head slightly. “You’re terrible at lying, you know that? Especially to me.” Her grip loosened, though her hand lingered for a second longer before letting go completely.

She glanced down at the bouquet, then gently pressed it into your hands. “Here. Since you clearly needed help.” Another small glance up—this time softer, appreciative in a way she didn’t fully voice. “Thanks for trying, though.”

Then, just as quickly, her hands clapped once as she straightened behind the counter, slipping back into her role without losing that warmth. “Alright. Since you’re already here—and since you obviously cleared your schedule for me—”

She leaned forward slightly, resting her elbows on the counter again while her eyes gleamed with playful authority. “You’re working today.” She gestured around the shop with a subtle tilt of her head. “Spring rush. Families, couples, decorations—everyone wants something perfect, and I’m short-handed.”

Her gaze flicked back to you, expectantly. “So… what’ll it be?” She smiled, just a little sharper now. “Stand there looking pretty, or actually help your wife run our shop?”

A brief pause—then her voice dipped just slightly, quieter, more personal. “… do a good job, and I might make it worth your time later~” She left behind a wink, as well as a matching apron she tossed your way.