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

Chapter 24: Dreams and Realizations

As Ino stepped quietly into her home, she was careful to avoid the creaky floorboards that always seemed to betray her during late-night returns. The house was dark and still, and she felt a sense of relief wash over her. After the tension of the day and the mission, she was grateful to be back in the comforting familiarity of her own space.

She tiptoed through the hallway, glancing at the closed door to her parents' room. Her mother was likely already asleep, and her father would be up early for work. Ino didn't want to disturb their rest, especially after the long day they had all endured. With a soft sigh, she made her way to her room, where the dim light of the moon spilled through her window.

Once inside, she changed into her pajamas and brushed her teeth, her mind still buzzing with thoughts about the mission and her feelings. As she crawled under the covers, she couldn't shake the warmth that flooded her cheeks at the memory of her time with Shikamaru.

As sleep enveloped her, Ino found herself in a dream, standing in a beautiful clearing surrounded by cherry blossom trees. The gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of the flowers, creating a serene atmosphere. Sasuke stood before her, his back turned as he gazed out into the distance.

Ino felt a rush of excitement at the sight of him. This was the moment she had always imagined. He turned to face her, a serious expression on his face.

"Ino," he began, his voice steady, "I've been thinking a lot about us..."

Her heart raced as he took a step closer. "I like you, Ino. I think we could be great together."

Ino's breath caught in her throat. This was the moment she had dreamed of, but instead of joy, uncertainty washed over her. Taking a deep breath, she responded, "Sasuke, I appreciate you saying that, but I need to be honest with you."

"What do you mean?" he asked, a hint of confusion in his eyes.

"I don't feel the same way. I like someone else," she said, the words feeling heavy yet freeing as they left her lips. "And I can't get in the way of my friendship with Sakura. She likes you, and I wouldn't want to jeopardize that."

Sasuke's expression shifted from surprise to disappointment, but he nodded slowly, as if processing her words. "I understand," he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

The atmosphere around them shifted, and Ino felt a weight lift from her shoulders. She had finally spoken her truth. Just as she thought the conversation was ending, the scenery began to fade, the petals swirling around her, leaving her with a sense of clarity.

Suddenly, she jolted awake, at the sound of her alarm clock. Her heart still racing. It took her a moment to remember where she was, but the remnants of the dream lingered vividly in her mind. She sat up in bed. "I need to talk to Sakura!"