bubblegum princess

chapter forty four

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the end of the beginning:
SO INTO YOU !
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               THEY BARELY made it to roll call, slipping in just as Shino did a headcount for Boruto's dorm, while Anko supervised the girls. Sarada quickly spun a story about Seiren feeling homesick, explaining why she was "knocked out cold" in bed. Unbeknownst to them, Seiren was hiding in the bathroom, buried under bubbles in the tub, her chakra slowly replenishing as she fought to calm her heartbeat.

Later, as her strength returned, Seiren focused her chakra to mend Sarada's bruises and cuts, but the effort left Sarada fast asleep. Seiren, however, couldn't find the same rest. No matter how she tried, her mind refused to settle, thoughts whirling like the events of the day playing on repeat.

Seiren sighed, lying back on her pillow, restless as her thoughts refused to quiet down. She tossed and turned, every ache in her muscles begging her to rest, yet sleep felt like an elusive dream. She sat up, her curlers scattered like a crown around her head and glanced around. 

Her pajamas—a soft, loose-fitting top that rode up just slightly when she stretched—felt warm - yet it did little to soothe her restless heart. She then glanced around the quiet room, catching the soft glow of moonlight spilling across the floor, a pale silver beam streaming through the window. 

A gentle breeze swept through, making the curtains dance as if in rhythm with her pulse. She closed her eyes, letting the cool air brush over her face, the soft touch of it against her cheeks soothing her just enough to breathe deeply.

With a quiet sigh, she stood and slipped out of bed. Careful not to wake Sarada, who was sprawled out and sleeping deeply after Seiren's gentle healing, she tiptoed out of their room and into the dimly lit hallway. She wasn't quite sure where she was headed, only that her feet seemed to lead her on their own accord.

Before she knew it, she found herself standing outside Boruto and Mitsuki's room. Her heart skipped a beat. She hadn't meant to end up here; she was just looking for some air, or maybe a familiar face, something to help her relax. She hesitated, but then softly knocked, not sure if she wanted an answer or not.

The door opened quietly, and there he was—Boruto, wide awake, blinking at her in the darkened hallway. His eyes widened in mild surprise before softening as he took in the sight of her, standing there with a sheepish expression and a hint of nervousness in her eyes.

"Seiren?" he whispered, his voice low but gentle, laced with a quiet fondness. "What are you doing here?"

"I... couldn't sleep," she murmured, looking away, cheeks warming under his gaze. She glanced up, catching the soft concern in his eyes, and managed a small smile. "I didn't think you'd be awake."

Boruto chuckled softly, leaning against the doorframe. "I couldn't sleep either." His hand came up to rub the back of his neck, a bit shy but clearly happy to see her there. "Guess we're both kind of... restless tonight."

For a moment, they simply looked at each other, a silent understanding passing between them. Then, without a word, Boruto stepped aside, motioning her into the room. She slipped past him, her heart pounding just a little faster. The room was dim, the moonlight casting a faint glow that softened the edges of everything.

"You okay?" he murmured, his voice low and warm.

She nodded, but he could see the lingering fatigue in her eyes, the shadows under them. Before she could explain herself, he led her over to his bed, the mattress dipping slightly as they both sat down. As they settled down on the edge of the bed, close enough that their shoulders brushed, sending a pleasant warmth through her despite the cool night air.