"Fate's Crossing

**Chapter 14: Office Encounters and Hidden Emotions**

Welcome back with a new chapter 💝🇦🇪💘

**Chapter 14: Office Encounters and Hidden Emotions**

The morning sunlight filtered through the windows of the police precinct as Naruto and Ino walked in together. It had only been a day since Naruto had proposed, and the excitement still hung in the air. Ino's fingers played with the new ring on her hand, feeling its smooth surface as they entered the office.

"Hey, you two!" a familiar voice called out. Sakura leaned against the wall, her eyes immediately catching the glint of the ring on Ino's finger. With a mischievous smirk, she approached. "Finally! So, did you two... you know, *do it* yet?"

Ino's face turned a shade of pink as she quickly shook her head. "No! Sakura, it's not like that!" she stammered.

Naruto, standing next to her, rubbed the back of his head, chuckling. "Yeah, come on, Sakura. We're taking things slow."

Sakura grinned but then softened her tone. "I'm just teasing. Honestly, I'm so happy for you guys. It's about time!" She pulled Ino into a hug, and then turned to Naruto, punching him playfully on the shoulder. "Take care of her, alright?"

Naruto grinned. "You bet! I mean, I'm her fiancé now, so I better step up."

As they chatted, Tsunade walked by, catching sight of the little group. "What's all the commotion here?" She glanced at Ino's hand and immediately saw the ring. "Ah, well, it's about time someone tied this idiot down." Tsunade smirked at Naruto, who blushed slightly under her teasing.

"Thanks, Granny Tsunade," Naruto muttered, clearly embarrassed but grateful.

"Congratulations," Tsunade added more sincerely, offering them a rare smile before continuing down the hallway.

With everyone offering their congratulations, Naruto and Ino finally made it to his desk. Naruto sat down, pulling out files and starting on his work for the day. Ino sat across from him, watching as he focused on the paperwork. She found herself mesmerized by how serious he looked. For all his goofy and loud personality, Naruto was surprisingly diligent when it came to his job.

As the minutes passed, Ino rested her chin on her hand, her eyes never leaving Naruto. She admired him—not just for his dedication, but for the way he made her feel safe and loved. Their engagement had happened quickly, but Ino felt more sure of this than anything else in her life.

Suddenly, the door opened, and Hinata entered, holding a small stack of reports. She smiled softly at Naruto as she approached his desk, but the moment her eyes fell on Ino's hand, her heart dropped.

"Hey, Hinata!" Naruto said cheerfully, looking up from his work. "What's up?"

Hinata handed him the documents, her smile faltering slightly as she noticed the ring gleaming on Ino's finger. The realization hit her hard. She had known about Naruto and Ino's relationship, but seeing that ring made it feel more real—more final.

"Nothing, Naruto-kun," Hinata whispered, her voice trembling slightly. She quickly looked away from Ino's hand, trying to steady her emotions.

Naruto noticed the change in her demeanor. "Are you sure? You don't look okay," he asked, concern evident in his voice.

Hinata forced a smile, shaking her head. "No, I'm fine. Really." But her voice was barely above a whisper, and Naruto wasn't convinced.

Before he could say anything else, Hinata turned and hurried out of the office, her steps quickening as she left the building.

Ino, who had been silent during the exchange, watched Hinata's retreating figure. Her heart sank, realizing the unspoken feelings Hinata still carried for Naruto. The guilt gnawed at her. She had always known, deep down, about Hinata's feelings, but seeing it unfold like this made it all too real.