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CHAPTER FOURTEEN ____________________ "Oh, come on. You're telling me you actually lost at a game of Shogi?"
"Don't rub it in."
Naruto narrowed his eyes at the other guy in the room, his hands balling up into fists all on their own.
But his attention was mostly on the girl. He studied how she had kept her hair short, leaving it in it's natural waves, and how bright her smile seemed from the last time he saw her. There was clearly a new magic behind her eyes, and he envied that it wasn't him who was causing it.
He also studied how much she'd matured. She was as beautiful as ever, and just watching her made him want to walk over to her and collapse into her arms. Just like old times.
"Give me the file, would you?"
"No."
"Come on, pineapplehead." She whined, standing on her toes to make an attempt at grabbing a folder.
Shikamaru snorted, ruffling her hair with a smirk."How cute, chibi."
"Guys, look who's here." Sakura nudged them, a small smile playing on her lips as she watched the two converse.
"Oh, Naruto!" The boy exclaimed in surprise.
Ayame's smile got smaller, but it was genuine nonetheless."Welcome home."
It pained him. It was like a katana stabbed him right in the heart, watching how her demeanor changed when she noticed him. But he smiled back anyway, chuckling lightly.
