bubblegum princess

chapter forty six

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the end of the beginning:
MEETING THE FAMILY !
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                 AS THEY NEARED Boruto's house, Seiren's heart grew increasingly restless, thudding against her chest with each step. Boruto, naturally chatty, kept the conversation alive, peppering her with small questions about her life, her interests—anything to keep them both at ease. Seiren pulled her cardigan tighter, seeking a sense of comfort amidst the nerves that had crept up on her. Boruto's gaze shifted to her, his expression softening.

"You okay?" he asked, a trace of worry in his voice.

She offered him a timid smile, nodding. "It's just... my first time going to your house..."

Boruto's eyes widened a bit before a knowing smile spread across his face. "Oh, right—only Sakura-san and Sarada usually come by," he said, chuckling as if realizing how rare this moment was.

His tone was warm, a subtle reassurance that softened her lingering nerves. "You don't have to worry about anything!" he exclaimed, his voice bright and confident.

Seiren looked up at him, a small smile breaking through her initial hesitation. Just as Seiren's nerves were beginning to settle, a figure appeared from down the street, glancing around as if searching for someone. Seiren recognized him instantly. "Oh, Tayori-san!" she called out, waving.

The man's face lit up with relief as he spotted her and Boruto, his steps quickening as he jogged over. Pulling a small scroll from his delivery bag, he extended it toward them. "A message has been delivered under your name," he said, offering it to Boruto with a warm smile.

Boruto blinked in surprise, taking the letter and turning it over curiously. "Thanks, Tayori-san."

With a friendly nod, Tayori bid them farewell and continued on his way, weaving through the neighborhood to finish his rounds. The air felt charged, both from the sudden arrival of the letter and the shared anticipation as Boruto turned it over in his hands, wondering what message awaited him.

Boruto unraveled the scroll with a slight furrow in his brow, but before he could read further, he felt Seiren's curious gaze over his shoulder. Chuckling, he lowered the scroll and leaned a bit closer so she could see too. Her fingers brushed his arm lightly as she leaned in, eyes scanning the neatly penned words.

The letter was from Kagura, written in his careful handwriting. Each line held an apology, a heartfelt explanation of his guilt and embarrassment. Kagura expressed regret for not seeing them off, for allowing his shame to keep him distant. He confessed how the weight of that moment had lingered, admitting that he'd struggled with how to face them afterward.

Seiren's eyes softened with understanding as she read. She could almost feel Kagura's conflicted emotions in each word, and a warmth spread through her chest. It was strange, seeing such vulnerability from him in writing—it made the apology feel all the more sincere.

Boruto sighed and smiled faintly, nudging Seiren as if to say, See?

"I'm glad he's okay," Seiren murmured softly, her gaze lingering on Boruto as he tucked the scroll safely into his pocket. His movements were casual, but the relief in her voice was unmistakable, a quiet appreciation for Kagura's heartfelt words.

With a smooth, almost instinctive motion, Boruto took up the plastic bag once more, and before she could react, his other hand reached out, fingers slipping into hers. Seiren's breath hitched as she felt the warmth of his grip, her cheeks flaring a rosy pink. She opened her mouth to speak, but all that came out was a flustered stutter.