Two artists |Araya x Inojin/Shikajin|

7

It was an another day without that masked boy. Inojin felt really misery and empty. His teammates were hanging out with Team 7 and others, his father was practicing with his own team and his mother was at the work all the time since she was in charge of Konoha Barrier. He was all alone in his family's flower shop. At least, there were plenty people over there recently, who wanted to buy some flowers and pots, so he didn't feel that lonely. Yet, it didn't make him happier. Inojin didn't know what was that. He has never missed someone in this way. Usually, when his parents were at the work or on a mission he didn't care that much. Of course, he was worried that something bad could happen to them but it was normal. This time he wasn't himself at all. He just wanted that boy to be with him. He already knew something about love but he couldn't relate it with his own feelings. In his opinion he was too young to experiance such things and there was no way that he could fall in love with a boy. He often questioned his sexuality but for him it was all about his young age. Even though he felt more attracted to the boys than the girls and find their bodies more attractive, he didn't want to admit, that he is probably different than his peers. Even now, when he was sitting all alone, he recalled his visit to the Hot Springs with Araya and he felt his heart beating increased. Suddenly, Inojin heard someone entering, so he quickly straightened himself up, ready tu serve the client. He was surprised to see one of his friends there.

"Shikadai? What are you doing here?" he asked confused.

"I thought you may feel better if I come and visit you at work. Your mom told mine that you are depressed because of that Sand Guy" he explained and approached the blonde boy. "Do you have a fever? Your face is all red" he noticed and put his hand on the other's forehead.

"What? No! I was just... It's too hot here" he replied immediately, taking a step back. He was so embarrassed, so he hid his face behind hands. "I'm not depressed because of him! I am just tired, I guess."

"Inojin, you can lie to everyone but me. You know that nobody knows you like I do. So?"

"I... It's not like I miss him or something!"

"I didn't say that" he said and Inojin grew incredibly red. "I will be visiting my uncles soon. I can ask my mom if you can join us"

"Really?" he asked cheerfully. "I thought you dislike him."

"I do. I don't want to see your sadness. That's all" he looked in the other direction.

"Huh? You can be really cute sometimes, ya know?" He rested his elbow on the table and supported his chin with hand.

"I can't say if that's a complement or not" he said watching all the flowers avoiding the eye contact, so that the blonde boy couldn't notice his light blush.

Of course, Shikadai didn't really like that boy. He didn't want to share his best friend with him. He realized how Inojin felt, when he was hanging out with Boruto. It was hard for him to admit that he was the one who made him feel useless and misery. All of them were childhood friends because of their parents. Inojin was one of the most specific kids he knew and maybe this is why he was struggling with making friends. Because of his unusual character's features, they didn't get along in the beginning but with the time they grew really close to each other. There was nothing unusual in his actions. He just wanted to spend some time with him, even if he had to deal with Araya. Besides, they have never been to the Sunagakure together. It was his chance to make his friend forget about the masked boy and focus on him. He didn't even think about how selfish his behaviour was. The jealousy took control over his mind. Or it was just another amazing plan coming to his head.

"Shikadai" he called his name, forcing the boy to turn to him. "Do you want to go out with me?" he asked shyly.

"Huh? Of course, I do. Since you asked so nicely" he smiled at the blonde. "When do you finish?"