Pre-Battle Confessions

Confession

Boruto hopped off of Sarada's balcony with a sickening feeling in his chest. Sarada almost never cried. Almost never. And when she did, it was usually warranted. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. But with the way she was acting... He would just have to wait it out. That was the kind of stubborn person Sarada was.

The other feeling came from the class prez wanting a private audience with him. Was she going to tell him something about his Karma? Something about Kawaki? Was it something she overheard from Amado? And more importantly... Did it have to do with why Sarada was crying?

He arrived at the meeting spot Sumire had suggested, and saw her sitting there with her usual smile. Because she was happy, some of his fear melted away. At least the news wasn't going to be bad news.

"Boruto-kun!"

"Yo, class prez. What's up?"

"Ah, I just had a few things to tell you before the battle... That's all."

He took a seat next to her on the bench. "Is it anything bad?"

"Well, no, not really... Hey, Boruto, just now, were you with Sarada?"

His cheeks dusted with pink. How did she know? "Y-yeah," he managed to stutter.

It wasn't anyone else's business that she was crying... But if prez decided to ask... Maybe he'd tell her. Maybe she could do something about it. Sumire and Sarada were friends.

But Sumire didn't press him any further. She just smiled and said, "I see."

All of a sudden, Boruto heard Sumire's voice directly in his mind. It was their only way of communication that Eida couldn't listen in on. And it made him gulp. Maybe Sumire's smile was just a façade after all.

Shikamaru told me not to tell anyone this... But I enlisted Inojin's help to tell you. I think it's important that you know...

...What is it?

You see, she said, adjusting her skirt and pretending to be nervous. Sarada and I were chosen to form a team to take out Eida.

What?! You and... Sarada?

At his reaction, her smile faltered a bit. Yes. Me and Sarada. Because Eida's charm ability doesn't work on either of us.

He gulped.

We're going to need your help to keep Daemon busy...

"Here," she said out loud, handing him a bento box. "I made this for you."

Boruto blinked a few times, taking the box in his hands, wishing he could smile but not really feeling it in him. "Thanks, class prez."

If we're not actually doing anything, Eida will get suspicious. So just eat that to pass the time... You see Boruto, there's a reason Eida's charm ability doesn't work on me and Sarada.

Boruto took the lid off of the box. Written in seaweed in the rice was the words, I like you. His eyes widened in shock as he looked back over at Sumire, who was now blushing.

In this battle we might lose our lives... One simple slip, and that's all it would take. So I wanted to tell you before that happens.

Prez...?

You see Boruto-kun, it seems that Eida's ability is ineffective against people who are in love with an Otsutsuki.

Boruto looked back down at the bento box. In love with an Otsutsuki... But if that's the case, than wouldn't that mean--

Yes, Sumire continued. It applies to Sarada too... I wasn't planning on telling you that part, but it only seems fair. She's too stubborn to admit it otherwise... And Boruto-kun, you're the type of person who doesn't even realize their own feelings. You're too nice. If I just tell you I like you... You'd probably chose me without even considering her. And that's why I'm telling you... So I can have a fair fight.

Boruto was silent as he stared at the message written in the rice. Did Sarada know what Sumire was going to say? That he was going to find out? Is that why she was crying? Wait, but prez liked him? They both liked him? Prez was one thing, but... His eyebrows furrowed as thoughts swirled around in his head.

You see, I understand Eida's feelings. And while I want you all to myself, confessing my feelings like this just feels wrong... Especially when you were worried enough about Sarada to go check on her before coming to see what I had to say. You've been close since you were little, and you're on the same team... "I know it may seem like a lot, but Boruto, please think about this seriously."

He stared down at the rice, a complicated expression on his face. I understand... Just tell me... Why do you like me?

She smiled. "I don't think you need a reason to like someone, Boruto-kun. You just do."

And in that moment, Sarada's face flashed into Boruto's mind. He gritted his teeth. Setting the bento box down gently next to Sumire, he stood to his feet. "Thank you for confessing to me, Sumire. But... In order to think about this seriously, I... I need to talk to her one more time."

Sumire smiled up at him and hugged the bento box to her leg. "Got it. Let me know when you've come to a conclusion, Boruto-kun. I'll be waiting."

With one last look at her over his shoulder, Boruto dashed off towards Sarada's house.