The race
- Modern
Ino smiled; this was perfect. "Shikamaru, she's been in love with you for years! Showing up at her work to confess your love is perfect!"
"It's too much trouble, but I love her, but Ino, I don't want to embarrass her. Can we do this at her apartment?"
"She doesn't live here anymore, remember? She's just visiting and doing some things for a client. You need an Instagram."
"I was so excited to see her that I forgot she doesn't live here, troublemaker." It was easy to forget since Temari still visited Konoha sometimes, due to the alliance with Senju Enterprise and Sabaku Corp.
Shikamaru smiled and thought about his girl, she was wonderful. However, "Isn't Ino still at work? We should ask Tenten, since they're roommates."
Ino's face soured at Tente's name. "I don't have his number."
"I'll send him a text message."
She texted Tenten to confirm that Temari was still at work and wouldn't be available until the next day. Tenten suggested catching her on her run. She said she ran every morning. Tenten offered to ask her about her route and let her know Shikamaru wanted to join her.
Tenten emphasized that under no circumstances would they disturb Temari at Ichiraku Ramen since she was having a special dinner with her family. Tenten also mentioned that she wasn't available either, and while she didn't approve of the plan they were making, she thought it best to end it quickly so she and Temari could enjoy their visit.
"Ino says Temari doesn't mind me joining her on her morning run, troublesome. Still, that's the best time to catch her."
"It's not really romantic, but we can deal with it. I need Sai. He knows more about spontaneous romantic situations than I do."
"Troublesome, how about I confess after the race?"
"I think it's for the best."
He texted Tenten saying yes, he wanted to catch up on the race and would love to go with Temari. Tenten texted him the route and time of the race.
"Six in the morning?! I thought Temari was a heavy sleeper! Troublesome woman!"
"Maybe her time in Uzugakure and her new friends have changed her," Ino said bitterly.
"Troublesome, change is good."
"Sakura doesn't agree. She's still upset that you broke up with her."
"It's just that it's complicated Ino."
"I know, but you broke her heart."
"She lied to me. And cheated on me. I can't be with her after that, it's too much trouble."
"I know. I still think it's a shame she didn't mean-"
"Deception, deception, even if you didn't realize it." Ino snorted, and they went over the plan again.
He was to confess his love at the end of the race and ideally that would lead to Temari staying with them in Konoha.
Race day arrived, and Shikamaru started running with her at six in the morning. It felt like he was running for nothing. Temari quickly overtook him and was matching him in their race. Shikamaru sighed; she had told him she wouldn't slow down for him. She headed to Ichiraku Ramen ahead of him. When he arrived, she was drawing in a notebook a cafe placed near her.
"Hey, slow down."
"Troublesome," he muttered under his breath. "Hey Temari." He sat down across from her. "So, what about the first races?"
"Nar got me into it. We usually go together, but he twisted his ankle."
"Nar?"
"My running partner." She mentioned absentmindedly, drawing something else on the page.
"Temari, I need to tell you something that's really important." Shikamaru swallowed before continuing. "I-"
She was interrupted by a man she thought she knew but couldn't remember where he came over and placed a bowl of ramen in front of her. He kissed her on the head and said, "I like the one with the beads."
She banged her chest with her sketchbook and yelled angrily, "The groom can't see the dress, it's bad luck!"
"Angel, I don't believe in luck."
"Stay back by your ankle!" he watched as the familiar mustachioed blond man walked away.
"Who was that?" Shikamaru asked.
"My nosy fiancé. He's determined to see my wedding dress before the wedding."
"Oh… congratulations."
"Thank you."
"He's a lucky guy."
"I'm the lucky one. Who would have thought I'd find my soulmate after running away from Konoha and Suna?"
"Troublesome, who would have thought it?"
He smiled, and pain pierced his heart. He walked away from Ichiraku, his heart growing heavier with each step, as he realized that his former schoolmate, Naruto Uzumaki, was the fiancé of the woman he loved.