In Love

3

BORUTO

I wake up to the sound of my phone buzzing insistently on the nightstand. I groan, rolling over to grab it, squinting at the bright screen. The meeting with the other security company is today, and it’s crucial. Not just for business, but for the direction I want to take Uzumaki Security. We can’t afford to look weak, especially when we’re dealing with a firm that dabbles in the darker side of our industry.

As I push myself up, I glance at Sarada still sleeping soundly beside me, her hair sprawled across the pillow, a few strands framing her face. I can’t help but notice how peaceful she looks, free of the irritation and tension we usually have. The warmth from last night’s bed-sharing still lingers in the air, reminding me of how strange it was to wake up next to her—my best employee and one of my most significant headaches.

Shaking my head, I pull on a shirt and grab my suit jacket from the back of a chair. This meeting requires the right look—a mix of professionalism and authority. After a quick glance in the mirror, I head toward the kitchen to grab a coffee, the bitter brew grounding me as I mentally prepare for the day ahead.

By the time I return to the bedroom, Sarada is stirring. She stretches, yawns, and glances at me, her eyes narrowing slightly as if she’s trying to recall the events of last night.

“Morning,” I say, trying to keep my tone light.

“Morning,” she replies, her voice thick with sleep. “What time is it?”

“Time for us to get ready for that meeting,” I say, glancing at the clock. “We need to leave in about an hour.”

She groans, burying her face in the pillow. “Do we have to? I’d rather avoid dealing with those people.”

“Trust me, I’d prefer that too,” I say, pouring myself another cup of coffee. “But we can’t afford to let them think they can push us around. We need to show strength.”

“Strength?” she says, finally sitting up. “You mean, pretending to be okay with working with a company that does illegal activities? That’s your definition of strength?”

I can hear the skepticism in her voice, and I can’t blame her. “It’s not about illegal things we're doing a lot of illegal things too but those are scum greater than us.  We’re not going to let them dictate terms. We need to come out on top.”

She looks at me, and I can see the wheels turning in her mind. “You’re not thinking of getting involved in their… operations, are you?”

I sigh, leaning against the doorframe. “No. Not if I can help it. But we need to find a way to keep our business with them. To bring down such sinners we need to be even more sinnier.”

"Last time you had a bullet engraved in your arm which left a scar that you had to tattoo. Where do you intend to make next at?" She says moving closer to me.

"Wherever you touch I'll make a tattoo there...do you want me to tattoo your name on my neck?* I say my tone sarcastic yet intense.

She stood before me now. I looked at her as she focuses intently while she knots my tie, the subtle scent of her perfume enveloping me, mingling with the tension in the air.

"Stop messing with me boss. We both know how we can't stand each other" She said as I broke into a laugh.

"Oh dear...that attitude is what stops me from firing you."

"I've prepared your schedule for today and...you haven't worn your bulletproof jacket haven't you?" She questioned raising an eyebrow, while I was caught red-handed.

Although I got a bullet in my left arm last time I still do not want to wear that thing, it's weird. I warch as she effortlessly opens my suitcase and takes out the jacket.

"Wear it. Right while I'm watching, I can't afford for my boss to get killed by a bullet unless it's me" She commanded her voice sharp and alarming.

I raise an eyebrow at her commanding tone, but I can’t help the small smirk that pulls at my lips. “You really think you can boss me around like this, Sarada?”

“Absolutely,” she replies, her gaze unwavering. “You may be the boss, but I care enough to make sure you don’t end up as target practice.”

With a resigned sigh, I step back, deciding to give her what she wants. “Alright, but don’t get too comfortable.” I unbutton my shirt, the fabric sliding off my skin and revealing my bare torso. The moment I do, I notice her gaze following my movements, her expression a mixture of surprise and something deeper—curiosity, maybe?

There’s a moment of stillness between us, her eyes lingering on the scars and the defined lines of my body. I can feel the heat creeping into my cheeks, a sensation that’s both unfamiliar and strangely exciting. “You’re staring,” I tease, trying to break the tension, but it only makes her focus sharper.

“I’m just making sure you’re fit enough to wear that vest,” she retorts, her voice steady but with an edge of vulnerability beneath it.

“Is that so?” I reply, unable to suppress a grin. “Just checking if I’m good enough for you, huh?”

She rolls her eyes but can’t hide the faint blush on her cheeks. I quickly pull on the bulletproof vest, feeling the snugness wrap around me, a reminder of the dangers that lie ahead. Sarada moves closer, her fingers deftly working to button the vest, her touch surprisingly gentle against my skin.

“Just a precaution,” she murmurs, concentration etched on her face as she focuses on securing the jacket properly. Her fingers brush against my chest, sending an unexpected thrill down my spine. It’s strange how something so simple feels so charged.

“There. All set,” she declares, stepping back to survey her handiwork. Her expression shifts to one of satisfaction, but there’s still a hint of tension in the air. “You look more like a boss now—like someone who can handle anything thrown your way.”

“Thanks to you,” I reply, adjusting the vest to fit comfortably. “I guess I owe you one.”

“Just don’t make a habit of ignoring safety precautions, or I’ll have to take them for you myself ,” she shoots back, the playful edge returning to her voice.

“Deal. But you should know that if you keep this up, I might start to expect you to do it every morning...dress me up like this” I tease, winking at her.

"Not funny" she picks her side bag and starts walking towards the door. "Are you coming or not?" She tease.

"Coming Sara" I said slipping out of our hotel room.