Thought it was You Shikamaru. (Shikaino Shikamaru x ino)

Chapter 21: Thoughts in the Night

Shikamaru walked into the shared hotel room, the familiar scent of his teammate wafting through the air. He flicked the light on, revealing Choji lounging on one of the beds, a half-empty bag of chips crinkled between his fingers.

"Hey, you're back," Choji said, lifting a handful of chips to his mouth. "Did you have fun?"

Shikamaru shrugged, tossing his backpack onto the floor. "It was alright. Just hung out and played some shogi."

"Shogi, huh?" Choji smirked, raising an eyebrow. "You spent a long time with her for just a game."

Shikamaru felt a faint flush creep up his neck as he turned away. "I just wanted to make sure she was okay. She was going to be alone all night."

Choji's expression turned serious as he leaned forward, chips forgotten. "This isn't our first overnight trip, and Ino's been by herself before. You've never acted like this."

"What do you mean?" Shikamaru shot back, trying to keep his voice casual.

"Come on, Shikamaru. You've been acting different since this trip started. You actually seemed worried about her. Is there something more going on?"

Shikamaru hesitated, crossing his arms. "No, Choji, really. I just..." He sighed, running a hand through his messy hair. "I don't know, okay? Maybe I just didn't want her to feel lonely."

"But you spent a lot of time with her," Choji pressed, a teasing smile creeping onto his face. "Are you sure it's just that?"

Shikamaru turned his gaze toward the window, the night sky blanketing the village in darkness. "I don't know. She's... different. I mean, she can be annoying sometimes, but she's also fun to talk to. I guess I just didn't want her to think I was ditching her for a whole night."

"Sounds like you might have some feelings for her. It's okay to like her, Shikamaru. Everyone can see how much you care."

"Enough with the mushy stuff," Shikamaru grumbled, trying to deflect the conversation. "I've got my sights set on getting through this mission, not on dating."

"Suit yourself," Choji replied with a shrug. "But if you do have feelings for her, you should figure it out. Who knows what could happen if you wait too long?"

Shikamaru sighed, rubbing his temples. "Like what? She'll end up with Sasuke or something?"

"Speaking of which," Choji said, a mischievous glint in his eye, "what about that sand girl? I thought you thought she was cute."

Shikamaru shifted uncomfortably, his cheeks warming. "Well, I mean... yeah, but I don't know. I definitely don't like her or anything. I don't even know her."

Choji chuckled, clearly enjoying this turn of events. "So you care about Ino because she's alone? Is that all it is?"

"It's not like that!" Shikamaru replied, frustration rising. "I mean, she's my teammate. I just didn't want her to feel abandoned or anything."

Choji looked at him with knowing eyes, and Shikamaru knew he had to change the subject. "Can we just drop it? I'm tired."

"Alright, but just remember what I said," Choji said as he settled back against his pillows.

With that, Choji turned off the lamp, and the room fell into darkness. Shikamaru lay back on his bed, staring at the ceiling. Choji's words lingered in his mind. He couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between him and Ino. The warmth of their conversation stayed with him, and he found himself questioning everything he thought he knew about their friendship.