[ SORA ] - On Hiatus

[ DANGER ]

"Aren't you a charmer."

"Oh please, Yoshino-san, don't tease me."

Shikamaru turned his head towards the commotion and saw Sora scratching the back of his head, blushing like a tomato, clearly feeling very shy and embarrassed. If Sora wasn't his age, he would have thought that Sora was interested to his Mother. Well, he already thought about the possibility, albeit the very wide age gap, but then decided to set it aside, cause it was pretty stupid. More so, pretty troublesome.

And he didn't like troublesome things.

"You really are, Sora. Right Shika? Who would have thought that a boy your age could be a good cook!"

"Thank you... I practiced hehe."

Sora looked at his way as if he could read his mind. At least, that's what he could tell on Sora's expressions. And he could read him like a book. On that note, Sora was on point.

Well, he was born a Nara after all. He would see it even if he doesn't want to. And he already calculated the possible reasons and instances why Sora was a good cook. And it was leaning on Sora's life as an orphan itself, he wouldn't like to open up such a topic. He'd know for sure if Sora tells him, but he wouldn't ask, he'd just wait.

"Yes kaa-san. He's good."

He's a good friend too. Shikamaru added in his mind.

He was glad that he didn't give up on befriending Sora. Even if it was troublesome, they were worth the trouble to risk. Specially in games, Sora was the best opponent to have after his Father.

Although he still hasn't beat him, not even once.

Well,a few challenges in life isn't all that bad. He truly believed that, even if all he wanted to do was watch over the clouds, you know, do what cloud watchers do. Hang around a cool place, lay down and just stare at clouds. That's life.

Speaking of clouds, where were their three friends had gone to? They said they would just play for a bit more and ran off on their own, but they were taking a bit longer than normal.

Don't tell me...

"Sora, let's go find those three." Shikamaru said as he got out of the house with Sora following behind his back.

"Come back right away okay? Or else the food's gonna get cold."

They were greeted by the warm color of their surroundings and the cool sound of the wind. It was already the afternoon, almost sunset. The three were definitely taking too long.

Sora smirked and said, "Time to ruin their plans."

Shikamaru smirked as well, nodded, and without a word, they split up to search for their friends.

What a drag...

With the thoughts of relaxing lingering in Shikamaru's mind, he suddenly noticed a presence. And then it suddenly disappeared as soon as he noticed it.

Was he imagining it? No way. That was impossible. Someone was following him in their forest and a man this good at hiding his presence is never a good sign.

Be smart and act normal.

His father had taught him a lot of things, mostly mediocre things about strategies and war, and he understood quite a bit even if they were complicated situations for a kid like him.

This wasn't any of those situations, but this won't be any different. He just had to act normal unless...

I'm in big trouble...