bubblegum princess

chapter forty eight

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the end of the beginning:
LONGING FOR CARP !
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WATCHING CLOSELY AS THE SKY began to dim, its hues shifting to soft oranges and deep purples, Seiren held her cardigan tighter against her frame. The day was winding down, surrendering to the calm embrace of night. Eight long hours of fishing had passed-eight hours of chasing the legendary carp that always seemed just out of reach. Despite their determination, the big fish had eluded them, leaving them with nothing but tired arms and shared laughter.

Inojin had already suggested she rest, especially after she and Sarada had paired up to manage one fishing rod. His and Shikadai's protests earlier still rang in her ears, their insistence that Seiren stay away from the lake's edge or avoid handling the rod alone a mix of concern and mild annoyance.

The distant chatter of her group grew louder, pulling her from her thoughts. She glanced toward the campsite and saw them retreating from the lake, their tired figures illuminated by the soft glow of twilight. Among them, ChoCho's familiar voice carried over the gentle rustle of the wind.

"Sei-chan!" ChoCho whined as she broke away from the group and rushed to Seiren's side. Without hesitation, she latched her arms around Seiren's waist, her face scrunched up in exaggerated complaint. "Cook us some curry, will you? I'm starving!"

Inojin rolled his eyes and shot her a dirty look. "You can't just demand something like that, ChoCho!"

But ChoCho wasn't one to back down. She stuck her tongue out at him defiantly. "Hey! I'm doing us all a favor!"

Seiren couldn't help but giggle at their bickering. She patted ChoCho's head fondly, her fingers brushing against soft curls. "Hai, hai. I'll gladly cook some curry for you guys," she said, her voice light and cheerful.

"I'll help!" Iwabe chimed in, his voice full of enthusiasm as he emerged from the supply tent, lugging a large stockpot in his hands. He set it down with a grin, already rolling up his sleeves.

Seiren shrugged off her cardigan, the cool evening air brushing against her skin as she crouched near her bag. She rummaged through it with growing frustration, her eyes darting from side to side.

Her lips pressed into a thin line as her search came up empty. She huffed loudly, the sound cutting through the quiet, catching Boruto's attention from across the campfire. He turned his head, his brows furrowing slightly as he noticed her predicament.

Her hand held her thick hair in place, trembling slightly under the effort of keeping it up for so long. Seeing her struggle, Boruto stood and jogged over to her. He crouched down, his bright eyes meeting hers.

"What're you looking for?" he asked, his voice casual but laced with concern.

Seiren finally released her hair, letting it cascade down her back. A few stray strands floated onto Boruto's head, causing him to chuckle while Seiren gasped.

"A-Ah! Gomen!" she squeaked, flustered, brushing her hands over his hair to remove the stray strands.

Boruto waved a hand dismissively, plucking the strands from his head himself. He twirled one between his fingers, holding it up with a grin. "Hair tie?"

Her cheeks puffed out in a pout, and Boruto couldn't help but think it was adorable.

"I can't find it anywhere," she grumbled, blowing a stray lock of hair out of her face in frustration.