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Her blush deepened, but she pushed through, her eyes meeting his with determination. "I… I've fallen in love with you."
Itachi's eyes widened slightly, though his expression remained calm, listening intently to her every word.
"I know it might seem sudden, and maybe you don't feel the same way," she continued, her voice trembling with vulnerability. "But I can't keep this inside anymore. You're not just someone who's strong or skilled, Itachi. You're kind, thoughtful… and you've made me feel safe in a way I haven't felt in a long time."
Her voice wavered as she spoke, but she pressed on. "Even if you don't feel the same, I had to tell you. I… I had to be honest, because I'd regret it if I never said it."
She looked down, her cheeks burning with embarrassment, unsure of what would happen next. "Even if you don't love me, even if you don't feel the same way… I'll still care about you. I'll still be grateful for the time we spent together."
The silence that followed felt like an eternity. Kaina's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. She finally looked up, her eyes searching his face for any sign of a response, unsure of what he would say or do next.
Itachi stood quietly for a moment, his dark eyes searching Kaina's face as he processed her confession. His expression softened as he realized the depth of her feelings. He took a step closer, his hand still in hers, and let out a gentle sigh before speaking.
"Kaina," he began, his voice low but filled with a certain calmness, "you've always been strong, not just physically but emotionally. To stand here and tell me something so personal… it takes a kind of courage I deeply respect."
He paused, gathering his thoughts, wanting to choose his words carefully. "During this past month, I've seen more of who you are beyond just being a hero. You've shown me a side of yourself that's caring, thoughtful… someone who isn't afraid to face the truth, even when it's difficult. That's something I admire."
He glanced down for a moment, recalling their time together, the quiet moments they shared, the times she made him laugh without even realizing it. He continued, his tone more thoughtful now, "You've always had this way of making me feel at ease, even when I didn't realize I needed it. You're not just a colleague or an ally to me, Kaina… you've become someone I trust, someone I feel connected to."
He paused, his voice softening. "I'm not the kind of person who opens up easily. But with you… I felt safe. I felt like I could be myself without having to hide anything. And somewhere along the way, I started feeling something I hadn't felt in a long time."
Itachi gently squeezed her hand, his own heart beating a little faster now as he spoke. "I'm not sure what the future holds. My path has always been uncertain. But… I've come to care about you, Kaina. More than I thought I would."
Kaina's breath caught as he continued, her eyes wide as she listened, her heart pounding in her chest.
"You've been patient with me, shown me kindness when I didn't even ask for it, and you stood by me without judgment. Those things matter to me," he admitted quietly. "You matter to me."
He stepped closer, his face soft but sincere. "I may not have all the answers right now… but I want you to know that your feelings aren't one-sided. I… care about you too, Kaina."
For a moment, there was only silence, the air between them charged with unspoken emotions. Itachi's eyes softened as he spoke one last time.
"You've become someone important to me. Someone I don't want to lose. So, thank you—for being honest, for being brave, and for showing me that it's okay to care for someone again."
Kaina's eyes welled with tears, but they weren't tears of sadness. Her face was a mix of surprise and overwhelming happiness, her heart lighter than it had been in a long time. She couldn't speak for a moment, her voice caught in her throat as she processed Itachi's words.
As Kaina's emotions overflowed, tears streaming down her face, she couldn't hold back any longer. She stepped forward and hugged Itachi tightly, burying her face against his chest. Itachi, slightly taken aback at first, gently wrapped his arms around her in return, feeling the warmth and sincerity of the moment.
Kaina pulled back slightly, her heart racing as she looked into his eyes. Her breath hitched as she felt a sudden urge to kiss him, a feeling she had been holding back for so long. Building up her courage, she slowly leaned in, her face inching closer to his. Itachi, sensing her intention, closed his eyes, his heart strangely calm, ready to meet her halfway.
Their lips were just about to touch when—
"Kaina! Itachi! I'm here!"
The loud, teasing voice of Yana, Itachi's mother, interrupted the moment, causing both Kaina and Itachi to freeze. Kaina pulled back, her face flushed with embarrassment, as they both turned to see Yana standing at the door, a playful smile on her face.
"Oh my!" Yana exclaimed, pretending to cover her eyes but clearly peeking through her fingers. "I didn't mean to interrupt such a tender moment!"
Kaina, still blushing furiously, stepped back, her hands fumbling as she wiped the tears from her face. "I-It's not… we were just—" she stammered, completely flustered.
Itachi let out a small sigh but couldn't hide the slight smile tugging at his lips. "Mother…" he said in a calm, almost resigned tone.
Yana walked over to them, her grin widening. "I came to pick you up, but I didn't expect to see this!" She winked at Kaina, who was still trying to compose herself. "Itachi, I see your internship was more eventful than you let on," she teased.
Kaina, now beet red, looked down at her feet, feeling like she wanted to disappear. But Itachi, with his usual calm demeanor, gently placed a hand on Kaina's shoulder and turned to his mother. "It was… an important experience," he said, his voice soft yet full of meaning.
Yana laughed lightly. "Well, I'll give you two some privacy before I tease you too much. But Kaina," she added with a mischievous glint in her eye, "I approve."
Kaina couldn't help but smile, her nerves slightly calming down as Yana's warm energy lightened the mood. She looked at Itachi, who gave her a small nod, as if silently reassuring her that everything was fine.
Yana waved her hand playfully. "I'll be outside. Take your time saying goodbye… or whatever else you two were doing." With a wink, she turned and left them alone again, though not without a final chuckle.
As the door closed behind Yana, the room was filled with a momentary silence. Kaina let out a small laugh, still flushed but feeling a sense of relief. "Your mother… is something else."
Itachi gave her a gentle smile, his earlier tension replaced by a sense of peace. "She's always been like that."
Kaina looked up at him, her heart still beating fast, and softly said, "I'm glad she approves."
Itachi, gazing at her with the same calm warmth, replied, "So am I."
Kaina, her cheeks flushed and heart pounding, looked at Itachi, her emotions still swirling from their almost kiss. "Ahh…" she stammered, her blush deepening.
Itachi, with a soft smile, raised his hand and gently tapped her forehead. "Sorry, Kaina… some other time," he said, his voice warm and calm.
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If you want to read ahead by 10 chapters from her you can visit my Patre-on.
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