Until We Meet Again (Part 3 to the TBT Trilogy)

Chapter 8

The morning sun shone on us as we walked through the bustling marketplace. The energy was festive, mixed with the chirping birds, bustling vendors, and the excited chatter of children. The aroma of freshly baked bread, the earthy scent of ripe fruits, and a hint of jasmine carried along with the breeze.

The atmosphere and weather were perfect. It wasn't too hot or too cold.

"I'm glad you guys convinced me to come here," I said, pulling a bright red apple from a basket overflowing with fruit. "I can't wait to stock up on fruits,"

Asuma chuckled, a cigarette hanging from his lips. "Just make sure you don't eat all the fruit before we even get to the sake stand,"

"And don't forget the fish. I'm craving some grilled salmon," Kureneai added, smiling.

"No promises," I laughed, filling my basket with fruit. 

After paying for the fruit, we wandered through the market. Spending another day with my friends after yesterday was needed. 

"Asuma, look!" Kurenai exclaimed, pointing at a stall with hand-painted ceramics. 

We followed her to the stall, and she picked up a teacup set with cherry blossoms painted on its surface.

"You should buy it, Kurenai," I said, "I love that teacup,"

"Don't encourage her," Asuma chuckled, exhaling smoke. "She has another set at home,"

Kurenai rolled her eyes as I smirked. "The teacup set needs another friend. I say she should get it since it would be lonely without another set,"

Kurenai bought the teacup set, and we continued walking through the market. Asuma bought a little wooden trinket for Konohamaru, and I bought more flowers, plants, and cooking oils. We finally found ourselves at the sake stand. Kurenai declined drinking, which was odd considering that she usually has a few drinks with us. I didn't question it, however. 

I brought the cup to my lips, making a face as I tasted it. "This one is not it, it's too bitter,"

Asuma sampled the next ones, his face contorting with each sip. He handed me some of the samples, and some were okay. Some of them were very sweet and went down smoothly.

"This one," Asuma declared, holding up a bottle with a label that claimed it was brewed with ancient techniques. "This one is the best,"

I tried a sample and agreed with him. We bought that bottle and moved to the next stall, where Kurenai craved the grilled fish. I got pork teriyaki instead of fish, and Asuma got some barbecue offered here.

"Are you guys on a date, Asuma-Sensei?" A sing-song voice called out.

We turned around and saw Asuma's student, Ino Yamanaka, grinning slyly at him and Kurenai.

Kurenai and Asuma started to flush a shade of pink, and I smirked at their reactions. 

For trying to be discreet, they sure make it obvious.

"We're not on a date. We're hanging out with our friend," Asuma sputtered, awkwardly scratching his head.

"Everyone already knows you two are together," I chuckled. "There's no need to hide it,"

Ino and I laughed at how red they turned after that. 

"I think we teased them enough, Ino," I grinned. "Let's give them a break. What are you up to?"

"I'm here with my mom since we're selling flowers from our shop. I saw you three and thought I'd say hi," Ino said. "I better go back, though. I was getting iced tea for my mom and I,"