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︶꒷꒦︶ ๋࣭ ⭑︶꒷꒦︶ ๋࣭ ⭑

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❦Pɾσɱρƚ Tσριƈ❦

December 31st: Stolen Glances & Caught In The Rain

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 If you had to choose between doing what you love and being with who you love, could you make that choice?

Naruto and Hinata, the top figure skating duo from Japan, have effortlessly conquered every challenge they've encountered on the ice together. But now, they're up against a new challenge—one that's found in their hearts, rather than on the ice.

This challenge is a love unplanned—a love constrained by a strict contract, putting them both in a very difficult position.

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Regular Tags:

Caught In The Rain • Competitive Skating • Competitive Sports • Contract • Contractual Obligations • Costumes • Drama • December 28 • December 31 • Figure Skating • Forbidden Love • Friends To Lovers • Heavy Angst • Hurt & Comfort• Ice Skating • Love Confessions • Modern AU • Mutual Pining • Partner Skaters • Pretending • Professional Skaters • Romance • Sports AU • Stolen Glances • Tryst • Unplanned Love • Work Partners to Lovers • 2023.

NSFW Tags: 

Body Worship • Bus Sex • Butt Groping • Celebrity Bus • Cock Worship • Couch Sex • Dirty Talk • Desperation • Desperation Sex • Fantasies & Fantasizing • Flexibility • Longing • Loss of control • Love Making (at first) • Marathon sex • Multiple Orgasms • Overstimulation • Praise Kink • Pussy Worship • Riding • Rough sex (soon after) • Sex in a crisis situation • Size Difference Kink • Spanking • Stripping • Striptease • Stockings • Unprotected Sex • Vaginal Sex • 2023. 

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Lately, I've been a bit obsessed with watching ice skating videos on YouTube, which inspired me to write a NaruHina one-shot about competitive ice skating. I had so much fun working on this! Writing outside my comfort zone is always rewarding, even though some parts were tricky to describe—but I think I pulled it off. 

Please give it a read and let me know what you think! 

Don't forget to comment, vote, and, most importantly, enjoy! Oh, and by the way, this is the final one-shot for last year's NaruHina Month event—we're officially done! 🎉

●・○・●・○・●

Between Us

Pretending can be a tricky game.

For some people, it's a breeze—they can slip in and out of different personas as easily as flipping a switch, putting on a convincing act at the drop of a hat, or a snap of their fingers.

Some people actually have a closet full of masks for their pretending, ready to wear whichever one fits the moment perfectly to hide behind. They switch between these masks as easily as changing clothes, effortlessly adapting to any situation like it's second nature.

Like if it was nothing, nothing at all.

For others, pretending is a struggle—a constant effort that takes a lot of trial and error before they finally get the hang of it.

But for Naruto, pretending wasn't just difficult. It wasn't a minor bump in the road he'd get over soon. It wasn't something he'd get used to or get good at with time or a bit more effort.

No.

He didn't have the luxury of switching between masks or hiding behind them whenever he wanted, like some people. Pretending wasn't a game or something he did for fun—it was a draining, relentless battle that wore him down every single day.

Pretending was, without a doubt, the hardest thing Naruto had ever faced—the toughest challenge he'd ever had to endure.

And he'd faced plenty of challenges.

As one of the top Japanese male ice skaters in the world, he'd been put through the wringer more times than he could count.

Countless hours of grueling practice, intense competitions, and crushing expectations had pushed him to his limits time and time again, demanding that he give nothing less than his absolute best.

Each session was a test of endurance for him, and every routine was a shot for him to outshine the competition.

After all, Naruto was a pretty driven man, always pushing himself past the limits set by others to prove himself and excel. And on top of the grueling physical demands, he also had to confront the doubts cast on him as a male skater—doubts that seemed to shadow every step he took.

It was tough.

Really tough.

Every time he laces up his skates and hits the ice, he's up against a challenge. But it's one he actually enjoys—the ice, the skating, the music, the cheers, the sweat, the exhaustion, and, most of all, proving everyone wrong.

He loves proving all the doubters wrong—naysayers who said he couldn't do it and the debbie downers who whined that ice skating was a women's sport.

Naruto even gets a kick out of showing up the critics who claimed he was confused about his identity, out of touch with himself, and that ice skating made him less of a man.

Indeed, proving those people wrong by doing what he loved was fun.

Naruto has spent countless hours on the ice—skating was all he'd ever known, the rhythm of the blades, the chill of the rink, and the thrill of the performance were deeply ingrained in him. Every glide and spin had become second nature, an integral part of who he was.

But there was one thing that stood apart from all of that...

Or rather, one person.

Hinata Hyūga.

His skating partner.

Naruto stood in the designated waiting area near the rink, his eyes fixed on her as she skated across the ice gracefully. He watched Hinata from the sidelines, waiting for his cue, the precise moment when the music would signal him to join Hinata on the rink.

But for now, it was just her. Just Hinata.

And Naruto watched her in awe.

He was always in awe of her.

The blonde skater watched almost in a trance as his partner performed with her opening solo for the prestigious "ISU Grand Prix Of Figure Skating" in Hollywood, LA, California.

The intensity of the competition was palpable, and the stakes had never felt higher.

The entire arena was hushed, with only the soft scraping of her white skates on the ice, the sweeping classical music, and the occasional gasps and murmurs from the crowd breaking the silence. Every spectator, even the judges, held their breath, captivated by Hinata's mesmerizing performance, all eyes glued to the rink.

Naruto's included.

Hinata's costume dress was a breathtaking piece, its fabric fluttering around her like the delicate feathers of a swan gliding through a gentle breeze. The lights from the arena overhead danced off the glittering embellishments of her costume, causing her dress to shimmer and shine.

Her costume was the perfect fit to the competition theme: Black Swan.

Hinata's dress was a striking blend of black and white, split down the middle. The left side was a deep, velvety black, adorned with shimmering sequins that caught the arena's light with every move she made.

The right side of her dress was a pristine, snowy white, contrasting beautifully with the dark side, adorned with tiny sparkles and swirls.

Her long gloves followed the same theme, one black and one white, each decorated with delicate sparkles that extended from her hands up to her forearms, matching her dress perfectly. Her usually long, midnight blue hair was elegantly styled into a neat bun on the top of her head, completing her flawless look for the competition.

Naruto wore a matching outfit to hers, of course.

He wore a one-piece costume that began with a pristine white at the top, gradually transitioning into a deep black down his toned torso and legs, with white swirls accentuating the color shift.

His right sleeve was all white, while his left sleeve was solid black, creating a striking contrast similar to Hinata's costume.

His costume fit the theme, sure, and it matched his partner's costume, but it was nowhere near as spectacular as Hinata's.

No way.

Hinata seemed to nail the theme perfectly, gliding in sync with the music—a classic piece that everyone would surely recognize.

"Swan Lake" by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

She surely embodied a swan, her every movement smooth and graceful, just like a swan gliding effortlessly across a lake. The way she floated across the ice, her costume shimmering with each turn, made it look as if she was dancing on air.

Naruto couldn't help but be completely mesmerized by how beautifully Hinata brought the theme to life.

She was utterly breathtaking.

Graceful yet powerful—that's how Hinata always skated.

Watching her was like peering straight into her soul with each performance.

She poured everything into her routine.

She always did.

From her delicate facial expressions to the emotions that flowed through her movements, and the graceful sweep of her arms as they reached out and then drew back—each performance was a stunning story told through her skating.

This time was no different.

As Hinata performed her solo tonight, she told a powerful story about the strength that comes from being vulnerable. Her movements to the music spoke of the courage it takes to expose one's true self, capturing the delicate balance between strength and authenticity.

It was truly extraordinary.

And on top of that, Hinata made the routine they'd been perfecting for months—through countless rehearsals, late nights, and early mornings—look so damn effortless.

Hinata glided smoothly from one move to the next, transitioning seamlessly between spins and jumps, just as they had practiced together, just as she had come to memorize down to the finest detail.

Her spins were flawless.

Naruto watched in awe as she effortlessly transitioned into a fast-paced layback spin, finishing with a graceful camel spin that left delicate circular marks on the ice.

Her jumps were just as stunning, with perfect double axels and triple lutzes that had her soaring and spinning through the air, leaving the crowd breathless.

She landed on her blades with a satisfying clank each time, back on her feet like a true professional.

Hinata nailed every move flawlessly, putting on a jaw-dropping performance that would definitely set the bar high for the other skaters and likely earn them both some serious points with the judges.

But Naruto wasn't thinking about the competition at all.

He wasn't thinking about their potential scores. He wasn't concerned about the judges' opinions or even his routine when it was his turn to join Hinata on the ice.

No, he wasn't thinking about any of that.

Naruto's focus was solely on her, the woman dazzling him from the ice, whose lavender eyes occasionally met his own.

Once.

Twice.

Frequently, Hinata glanced at him as she danced across the rink, her lavender eyes seeking him out from the waiting area, hidden from the audience.

Each time their eyes locked—deep blue meeting soft lavender—it felt like the world around them melted further and further into a blur...

...until it was just the two of them.

The audience's loud wows and awes, the judges' scrutinizing looks, the flashing cameras, the bright arena lights, the announcer's voices, and even the stadium itself—all of it just faded away.

It was only them—just them.

And soon enough, Hinata wasn't skating for the crowd but for...

...him.

It was always like this between them: fleeting, longing but secretive looks where their gazes created warm, private moments just for them.

Every time they performed together, whenever their hands touched or their bodies brushed close, they were drawn into a private world of their own making.

Those looks they exchanged, every second of every day, were a silent yearning for something they both desired but couldn't fully embrace—a longing that always seemed just out of reach.

Naruto couldn't ignore what he felt. He couldn't pretend.

Sure, he could try.

Sure, he could push his feelings aside. He could convince himself that what he felt was just a passing phase, and that he will just get over it soon.

Sure, he could try to act like it didn't bother him and play along, but deep down, he knew he'd only be lying to himself.

The feelings he had been struggling with for so long were impossible to ignore now.

A mistake that's come to consume him.

When Naruto first teamed up with Hinata, he signed a contract that was clear about one thing: no intimate relationships.

As long as he pursued ice skating professionally with a partner, he wasn't allowed to fall in love or let emotions get in the way of his career.

He knew that.

They both did.

Naruto always understood what he was signing up for, knew the strict rules, and was clear on what was expected of him.

Because of this, he knew he shouldn't be feeling this way and was fully aware of the risks of letting these emotions take over. He knew exactly how his coach would react if she found out—what she'd do if she discovered his secret.

Their secret.

Naruto knew the stakes.

If their secret were ever discovered, it would mean the end of their figure skating careers.

Everything they'd worked so hard for—the endless hours of practice, the sacrifices made, the competitions won, the fame they'd gained, and their very dreams—were at risk of being ruined.

All because love had somehow crept in and gotten in the way.

Suddenly, the music built to a crescendo, growing louder and louder all around, snapping Naruto out of his thoughts.

His cue to take the ice.

"Damn it," He muttered, shaking his head to snap himself out of it. That was a mistake—a big one.

He couldn't afford to space out.

Not here.

Not now.

He took a deep, steadying breath, pushing aside the swirling thoughts and annoying emotions that clung to him.

Then he exhaled, letting it all go.

It's showtime.

Naruto rubbed his hands together to shake off the tension, and took one more calming breath.

"Here goes." He whispered to himself, before finally, darting out onto the ice.

The icy chill of the arena hit Naruto instantly, chilling his face, body, and legs. The cold air blended with the crisp, slippery feel of the ice beneath his skates.

Naruto could never grow tired of it—the ice. It was a feeling so familiar, as natural as breathing to him at this point. Every time he stepped onto it, it felt like reconnecting with an old friend he always looked forward to seeing again.

And it felt that way now.

His taut calf muscles tightened with each powerful push he gave his legs, his black skates carving a swift, graceful path across the ice.

The ice hummed a satisfying, almost musical whisper under Naruto's skates, grounding him in the moment. He mentally rehearsed his routine, syncing with it as he joined Hinata on the rink.

Hinata was already in position, gliding effortlessly across the ice toward him. In that moment, Naruto could see nothing but her—her radiant smile, the rosy flush on her cheeks from the cold, and the sparkle in her lavender eyes.

He met her in the center of the rink with a big grin, and they seamlessly slipped into a synchronized spin. They twirled around each other, close yet so far.

They didn't touch—just gazed at each other, eyes locked the whole time.

Blue meeting lavender, once again.

The sight of Naruto and Hinata finally skating together, their chemistry ignited instantly, sending fireworks of excitement across the entire arena. Their connection was evident even on the arena's TVs, causing the crowd to instantly erupt into a frenzy.

Gasps and cheers merged into a collective roar that filled the entire space.

The announcers, just as thrilled, could barely contain their excitement over the intercom.

"And here he comes, folks—Naruto Uzumaki, joining his partner Hinata Hyūga after her stunning introductory solo!"

"The way they connect is absolutely breathtaking. Just so breathtaking. This is partner skating at its finest, and we are in for a treat tonight, folks!"

Now together, Naruto and Hinata instantly transitioned into their routine, as they'd done it a million times before.

Just for this moment.

Hinata took the lead, maintaining their synchronized spin as she gracefully lifted one arm to the rhythm of the music, watching as Naruto mirrored her movements flawlessly. His arm swept down and up above his head in a sweeping arc, just like hers, as if she were looking into a mirror.

She moved her other arm the same way, and Naruto followed suit.

Next, Hinata extended her hand toward him this time, her fingers forming a dramatic claw before slowly curling into a fist as she pulled away, and Naruto mirrored her.

But they never quite touched.

Each time they reached, they always pulled back.

Reach. Retreat. Reach.

Closer and closer, but never quite touching.

Like a cycle.

A painful one.

This part of their routine always spoke to them. It shouldn't have—really. It shouldn't have had any impact on them, but..

...it did.

It perfectly mirrored the feelings they had for each other, always managing to leave a poignant ache in their hearts—a longing for something they both wanted but couldn't have.

No matter how many times they repeated it.

No matter how many times they practiced it.

The ache remains.

Naruto's eyes revealed such pain, such raw emotion as he watched Hinata glide backward from the center of the rink, moving away from him and further along the ice.

She kept her knees slightly bent, her legs extending and crossing each other like the delicate sway of a ballet's legs. Her skates traced elegant arcs on the ice as she spiraled backward, leaving a long trail behind.

But even as Hinata drifted away from Naruto, her hand stretched out toward him, her eyes pleading for him to take it.

Naruto followed her, reaching back.

His arm stretched out through the cold air, determined to bridge the gap between them.

They reached for each other, incorporating a few individual spins where they spun perfectly in sync, even landing together, before turning and reaching out again.

They drew out the moment for dramatic effect, with Hinata gliding smoothly backward and Naruto advancing just enough until their hands finally....

...met.

But when their hands finally touched, it seemed to ignite a powerful rush of warmth that pulsed through their gloves and into their palms like a heartbeat, spreading through their bodies in soothing waves.

The sensation felt incredible—better than anything they had experienced before.

They had touched countless times, but this..

This was different.

The moment Naruto's large fingers slid between the gaps of Hinata's smaller ones, and curled around her hand, a deep, unparalleled warmth unfurled in both of their hearts.

The surprising intensity of the warmth made them both gasp softly. Their fingers instinctively tightened around each other, the connection so strong and reassuring that they couldn't bear to let go.

Not now.

Not so soon.

Keeping her hand in his, Naruto guided Hinata's arm over her head and twisted her in a graceful spin perfectly in sync with the music. He skated himself over in a smooth glide, positioning himself directly behind her like her shadow.

Close behind her, he began sliding his hands gently along her arms, and Hinata couldn't hold back the slight moan that escaped her lips.

Naruto touched her now, and he took it slow.

Along her chest, his gloved fingers brushed the fabric of her costume, feeling the rise and fall of her breath. His hands moved down the gentle curve of her torso, tracing the contours of her muscles, and he felt her body react to his touch almost instantly, with soft shivers and quivers.

Finally, his hands reached her waist, holding her hips firmly yet gently.

Even in the cold of the stadium, with a chill all around them, Hinata felt warm beneath his fingertips.

She was savoring the moment, just as she always did, whenever she was in Naruto's arms.

His touch was always gentle, but now, to Hinata, it felt almost heightened. Every brush of his fingers felt like a trail of fire on her skin, each caress sending electric shivers down her spine.

It was like time slowed to a crawl, and all she could feel was Naruto.

His breath as it brushed against her ears and cheeks, warm and steady. The heat of his toned body as it pressed so close to hers, making her acutely aware of every inch of him...

And his touch...

Hinata always treasured the moments when Naruto touched her.

Those fleeting instances when his hands met her skin always seem to send a delightful warmth coursing through her body, radiating like a beacon. Whether his strong yet gentle hands glided along her arms, gripped her hips, or lifted her into the air, a soothing, irresistible heat enveloped her whenever he made contact with...her body.

It shouldn't have felt this way, but it did—like a perfect antidote to her touch-starved dreams.

Hinata glanced back at him with a breathless look that made Naruto's heart skip a beat. Her lavender eyes drew him in every time, their expressiveness saying more than words ever could.

And as he gazed into them now, they seemed to speak to him, whispering...

"Please touch me more, Naruto-kun. Touch me."

It was a gentle, unspoken plea, a tender whisper in her eyes as she looked over her shoulder at him, standing tall behind her.

Naruto bit his lip.

Truly, he wished he could touch her more.

Her body always responded so beautifully to his touch, expanding and contracting as if he were the air she breathed, always returning to him with a graceful, magnetic pull. It was intoxicating.

He craved more. He craved—

The blonde skater took a deep breath, trying to clear his mind. Again.

Reluctant as he was, and how good it was to hold Hinata, he knew he had to put an end to it.

After all, this was a serious competition.

With that realization, Naruto broke away from their intimate moment, shaking off the titillating effect of touching Hinata, and his expression turned serious again. He refocused and shifted his attention to the next part of their routine.

But when he did, it seemed as if time snapped back to its usual pace, flowing normally like it did for everyone else.

Naruto grasped her waist firmly, and as if on cue, Hinata bent her knees, poised and ready, just like he was.

The split-second cue he had been waiting for.

With a smooth lift, he sent her soaring into the air in a high twist. Her dress billowed out around her in a perfect spiral, drawing gasps from the crowd as it fluttered like a blooming flower.

Naruto watched as she flew high into the air, spinning gracefully. And in that quick moment, he caught a glimpse of her smile.

There was an unspoken trust in that smile, a deep trust in him. Because she knew that whenever she fell, he'd always be there to catch her.

Just like now.

As Hinata began her descent, Naruto was ready. He lifted his arms high and, with practiced precision, caught her around the waist.

He felt that familiar rush of relief and joy, knowing Hinata was secure in his hands after her aerial stunt. Safe and sound.

Naruto held her close for a moment, savoring the warmth of her body against his, before gently lowering her back to the ice.

As they continued skating together, the audience seemed to blur further and further away until it was only the two of them, as if no one else existed.

They looked into each other's eyes and suddenly...

Time didn't matter.

The competition didn't matter.

The judges or their scores didn't matter.

It was just them.

Just like in all their performances, Naruto and Hinata stunned the crowd with their chemistry. They moved together on the ice with such closeness, showing raw emotion through their every move and expression that the audience could actually feel.

It left everyone breathless.

The music was captivating from start to finish, flowing through every part of their routine. Every spin, every lift, and every glide of their skates across the ice, the music was there, as if guiding them.

Hinata's grace paired perfectly with Naruto's strength, like yin and yang. Their choreography, whether synchronized or solo, blended together on the ice, revealing not just their countless hours of practice but also the deep understanding they shared.

Their love.

It was evident, no matter how hard they tried to hide it.

Their synchronicity was almost magical, like they were of one mind, one body, one soul.

When Hinata jumped, Naruto was right there to catch her.

When she spun, he spun, matching her moves perfectly.

Whenever she reached for him, he was always ready to clasp her hand and guide her.

There was no escaping what they felt.

The longer their performance went on, that feeling between them seemed to intensify.

It was new and exhilarating, different from anything they had felt before in previous performances or practices, as if it began anew the moment they first touched tonight.

Every time their hands touched or their eyes locked, that feeling inside them just kept growing stronger.

But reality would ruin it for them each time, reminding them that no matter how strong their feelings were, they couldn't act on them.

They couldn't.

They shouldn't.

They...

Hinata couldn't take it anymore.

As their routine continued, she began to feel the full weight of everything.

The unspoken feelings she'd been holding in, the constant longing to be close to Naruto, and the pressure to maintain their perfect image—it was all starting to overwhelm her.

She'd managed to keep it together for so long, but even she had her limits.

Tonight, she reached her breaking point.

As they approached the end of their performance, instead of the usual thrill that would sweep over her, she was overwhelmed by a deep, profound sadness.

Naruto sensed it immediately.

He knew her too well not to notice.

As the music began to wind down and the final chords echoed through the arena, he drew her into a tight embrace at the center of the rink. Their bodies were pressed close, the warmth of their breath mingling with the chilly air. Their faces were so close he could feel her every breath on his skin, and their eyes met, saying everything words couldn't express.

They held their position, panting and sweating, mostly satisfied, until the last notes of the music faded into silence.

But as soon as the music ended, the applause from the crowd surged through the stadium, a thunderous wave of sound that echoed endlessly in their ears.

With that, Naruto and Hinata reluctantly pulled away, masking their true feelings behind the broad smiles they had perfected and displayed time and time again.

They waved to the audience and the flashing cameras, even taking a hand-in-hand bow to mark the end of their performance.

The announcers' voices boomed through the speaker in no time, hyping up their performance with excitement.

"Ladies and gentlemen, what a show! Let's hear it for Japan's premier ice skating duo, Naruto Uzumaki and Hinata Hyūga!

"Give these two a big round of applause for another unforgettable performance!"

The announcers gave them one last shout-out, showering them with praise and cheers that would've made Hinata feel overjoyed on another day—grateful, accomplished even.

But not now.

She didn't know what had came over her.

She didn't know why she had done it.

Yet, she turned to Naruto, her face showing a sadness she couldn't keep hidden anymore. Her eyes, usually so bright and joyful, were now clouded with a deep sorrow that instantly wiped the smile from Naruto's face.

And before he could even speak, to react even, she spoke to him, whispered to him.

She whispered one word, and he heard it clearly.

"Gomennasai."

Hinata let go of his hand and sped off across the ice, leaving him behind before he could say a single word.

He gasped and reached out toward her retreating figure.

"H-Hinata-chan!" Naruto called out, but she didn't respond. She didn't turn back or slow down; she just kept skating, moving further and further away from him until she vanished through the designated gate leading backstage.

The blonde stood there, frozen, as the cheers of the crowd faded into the background. Yet, even now, he could still feel the warmth of Hinata's touch lingering in his outstretched palm.

Naruto frowned.

'Pretending is difficult for you too, isn't it, Hinata-chan?'

●・○・●・○・●

Naruto let out a deep sigh as he stepped out of his dressing room, the nameplate reading "Naruto Uzumaki" catching the soft glow of the backstage lights, casting a faint shimmer behind him.

He had quickly ditched his skates earlier, relishing the immediate relief for his sore feet as he slipped into comfortable sneakers. Changing out of his competition outfit would have to wait—he had no time for that right now.

His body still buzzed with adrenaline from the performance, but his mind was locked in on one thing....

Finding Hinata.

The backstage halls were filled with distant applause from the stadium, the low murmur of the announcers over the intercom, and the faint echoes of other skaters' music from their performances.

The spiky-haired blonde moved swiftly through the corridors, his footsteps echoing off the walls as he searched for any trace of his partner. Ever since Hinata skated off and vanished after their performance, his worry had only grown worse. He had promised himself that as soon as he got back to his dressing room and out of his skates and gloves, he'd make it his mission to find her.

But now, with the colosseum's sheer size and the backstage corridors sprawling into an endless maze of hallways and dressing rooms, finding her was turning into a real challenge.

She could be anywhere.

With a worried frown etched on his whiskered face, Naruto made his way down the narrow corridor, the walls lined with doors leading to various dressing rooms, all named and closed, some dark inside, others lit up where chatter seeped from the cracks.

He kept a steady pace as he headed for the first and most obvious location on his list.

Hinata's dressing room.

It was just a few steps from his own, but now, the short distance felt like a mile.

He paused once he made it in front of the door, glancing at the nameplate that read "Hinata Hyuga," neatly displayed just like his own. He bit his lip, his heart racing as he hoped—no, prayed—that she might be inside.

He knocked on the door with his bare knuckles, the sound seeming louder in his ears than it probably was.

"Hinata-chan?" He called out and waited. He held his breath as he did, listening for any sign of movement from inside, his heart pounding even harder.

But he heard nothing. Only silence.

He knocked again, "Hey, it's just me, Hina. I want to talk, that's all."

Silence again.

Naruto leaned closer, taking the risk and peering through the small glass pane set above the door, hoping to catch a glimpse of her inside. He squinted into the dimly lit room, his breath fogging up the glass slightly.

But his heart sank when he saw nothing but an empty room.

Hinata wasn't there like he'd hoped.

Anxiously, Naruto scanned the room, trying to pick up any clues.

Something.

Anything.

The room was neatly organized, with a vanity table against one wall, scattered with makeup and hair accessories. A small sofa sat against the opposite wall, and a clothing rack stood in the corner. Notably, her costume was absent from the rack.

She hadn't changed.

That made him worry even more.

His shoulders slumped in frustration, "Damn it, where could she be?" Naruto muttered, clicking his tongue. He stepped away from Hinata's dressing room, his mind in a complete scramble.

Looks like he'd have to keep searching.

But just as he was about to pivot and expand his search through the rest of the colosseum, he suddenly collided head first with someone, catching him completely off guard.

"Whoa!" Naruto blurted out, his feet skidding slightly. He stumbled backward a bit, nearly losing his balance. But his reflexes kicked in just in time to steady himself.

His blue eyes widened in surprise, his head jerking up to identify who he just bumped into.

He let out a gasp.

It was his coach—Anko Mitarashi.

She had a look of annoyance on her face, but when she saw him, her irritation melted away into a wide grin—instantly.

Her wild violet hair was pulled back into a neat ponytail for once.

For the competition, Coach Anko went for a more polished look, trading her usual jackets and boots for something...professional. She rocked a sleek women's tux—tan blazer and trousers with a crisp white shirt underneath.

Naruto's eyebrows shot up.

He couldn't deny it—he was impressed. No matter how many competitions they'd been through, seeing Anko in a tux always caught him off guard.

It was just... different.

He gave her another quick glance.

To finish off her look, she'd matched her tux with classic tan pumps, with her aviator sunglasses tucked into her blazer's collar, the lens reflecting the dressing hall lights with a subtle shine.

Naruto let out a quiet huff of admiration as he watched her casually brush some dirt from her shoulder, her demeanor calm and relaxed.

Anko was just so cool.

He couldn't help but admire how she remained so calm and collected during a high-stakes competition like tonight's. It was classic Coach Anko—cool under pressure, like nothing ever fazed her. She was that older sister you looked up to—laid-back and confident, even though she could be seriously intimidating and sometimes a little too...touchy.

Naruto groaned. 'It won't be long now.'

Five, four, three, two...

Anko's eyes gleamed with mischief, and in a quick motion, she reached out and playfully ruffled his blonde hair.

Naruto groaned again.

See what he meant?

"Well, well, if it isn't my favorite knucklehead. Now where are you off to in such a hurry?" Anko laughed, her voice rich with amusement, "Aren't you supposed to be taking a breather in your dressing room?"

She leaned in close, raising an eyebrow, "Hm?"

Naruto sweat dropped.

He opened his mouth to answer, but before he could Anko had already beat him to it.

Suddenly, her arm slung itself around his neck in a half-friendly, half-rough hug.

It felt more like a disguised chokehold than a hug as she pulled him in, nearly squeezing the life out of him.

"Sensei, sensei, sensei—arghh!" Naruto groaned, struggling to breathe as she tightened her grip.

"I gotta say, you and Hinata were amazing out there!" Anko praised with a cheerful laugh, "You know, you guys really stole the show tonight. I haven't seen the crowd go wild like that in ages. Even the judges were practically swooning!" She teased, giving him a light jab in the ribs.

He groaned again, covering it up with an awkward laugh. He pushed his head back and forth, trying to squeeze out of her hold. He even tried to pry her arm away. No use.

"A-Ano, Anko-sensei, I—"

But she interrupted him again.

The violet-haired coach gave him a shove, breaking the chokehold, and then burst into laughter at the sight of his disheveled blonde hair and the "you're crazy" look on his face.

Ank'os laughter echoed through the hallway, so loud and unmistakable that it probably carried all the way into the stadium. That's how loud it was.

"Why the frantic look, kid?" She teased, clearly enjoying herself.

Naruto fought to keep his face from scrunching up and revealing his irritation.

Was that even a question?

"Relax, kid! You and Hinata were incredible—fan-fucking-tastic, if you ask me. I've told you before: practice might be tough, but that's what gets you those trophies. Am I right?"

"Arigato, sensei. But I was actually—"

Naruto was cut off again, but that was nothing new.

"Speaking of Hinata, where the hell is that girl? I can't find her anywhere—"

"I don't know where Hinata is!" Naruto blurted out, finally getting her attention, "I'm actually searching for her right now."

Anko stopped mid-sentence, her eyes widening in exaggerated surprise, "Oh. Well, why didn't you just say that earlier?" She exclaimed with a laugh.

Naruto resisted the urge to facepalm himself.

"Well, what are you just standing around for? Go find her!" Anko blurted, beckoning her head in the distance, "And make sure you come right back here once you do. You two have interviews in just a few hours. Got it?"

Naruto didn't need to be told twice.

He got the hell out of there.

Naruto nodded vigorously, his blonde bangs swaying wildly, "Got it! Arigota gozamiasu Anko-sensei!"

With those words, he whipped around and took off at a near sprint, barely avoiding another one of Anko's impromptu conversations; something about upcoming practice sessions and the ever-growing list of events crowding their schedule.

No.

None of that mattered right now.

Naruto bolted away fast, his thoughts solely occupied by the search for his partner, Hinata.

He bit his lip.

'Hinata-chan, where are you?'

●・○・●・○・●

He found her—Hinata.

She sat outside the colosseum on a lone bench beneath a flickering streetlight, positioned close to the entrance. She was still dressed in her stunning competition outfit, but Naruto noticed she had removed her gloves and swapped her skates for a pair of comfortable tennis shoes, just like he had.

A half-full bottle of ice-cold water dangled loosely from her bare fingers, condensation forming droplets that trickled down the sides, splashing softly onto the pavement below.

She lifted the bottle to her lips, sipping slowly, almost absentmindedly, as if her body was responding to thirst on autopilot. Her gaze remained distant, fixed on the packed parking lot, but her thoughts were clearly elsewhere, lost amid the sea of cars.

She didn't even notice him as he made his way toward her, his footsteps muffled by the soft wind that had started to pick up.

The evening sky had changed completely, going from a soft twilight to a dark, brooding gray as thick clouds rolled in, swallowing the last bits of sunlight. Naruto squinted up at the sky, raising a hand to shield his eyes from the increasing gusts of wind.

He heard it—the distant rumble of thunder, a low, ominous growl that made it clear a storm was on its way.

Rain was coming soon.

He grimaced before moving closer, his breath visible in the chilly air.

"Hey, Hinata-chan!" Naruto called, giving his midnight blue-haired partner a bit of a scare.

She jolted, snapping her head toward him.

A faint smile immediately appeared on her lips, "H-Hello, Naruto-kun," She stammered, clearly flustered.

But then she remembered...

Her smile faded, replaced by a frown as she bowed her head.

"G-Gomen. I didn't mean to leave you so...abruptly. I just needed some time to..." She sighed, her shoulders drooping.

"...think."

Naruto smiled faintly at her explanation.

Good, she wasn't angry with him.

He moved closer, cupping his hands and blowing warm air into them to fend off the chill.

Man, it was cold.

He shuddered as he stepped in front of her, "Ah, you're fine, Hina. There's nothing wrong with needing some alone time." He said, rubbing his arms vigorously to warm himself up.

"But it's pretty chilly out here," He added, his concern for her clear as he looked around.

He glanced up at the darkening sky, now a heavy, muggy gray—yucky stuff.

Naruto grimaced again, "And, uh, it looks like it's about to rain," He said, pointing to the thick, menacing clouds piling up overhead, casting a dark shadow over everything—and over both of them.

"Why don't you come back inside? We can talk where it's warmer, ya know?"

Naruto reached out, his fingers curling around her slender arm. He gave her a gentle tug, but Hinata didn't budge.

She remained seated, her posture tense, her lavender eyes locked on the horizon as if searching for something just out of reach through the darkness.

The flickering streetlight above cast a soft, wavering glow over her features, accentuating the tension that had settled in her shoulders and the way her hands gripped the edges of the bench.

Naruto frowned, noticing the tension in her jaw and the distant look in her eyes, as if she was miles away, even with him standing right next to her. To his surprise, she didn't get up but instead patted the bench beside her, inviting him to sit down.

"Just sit with me for a moment, Naruto-kun," She said softly. Her voice was gentle, but there was an undertone of something Naruto couldn't quite place.

He hesitated.

He felt it again, that same unsettling feeling he had sensed from her before.

Something was wrong.

But he decided not to press her for answers just yet. Instead, he did what she wanted and took a seat beside her on the bench. The wooden seat creaked softly under their combined weight, giving a gentle groan before settling into place.

The space was tight, but they didn't mind.

Naruto inched closer until their shoulders lightly touched, and their sides were pressed together. As he settled in, he began to feel a comforting warmth radiating from her, a soothing heat that eased the chill he had been feeling before. He nestled in a bit more, sharing his own warmth to help heat her up as well.

Hinata shot a quick glance over at him before she took another sip from her water bottle, the condensation glistening on the bottle's surface. With a soft smile, she then extended the bottle toward him, her fingers lightly brushing his as she offered it.

"Here," She offered, her voice gentle and soothing, "have some water."

Naruto's eyes widened in pleasant surprise, and he couldn't help but smile at the unexpected gesture.

"Arigato, Hina," He said gratefully, indeed incredibly thirsty.

His throat was parched; he hadn't had a chance to quench his thirst and cool down after performing since he'd been so focused on finding Hinata. So now, he was grateful for the cool, refreshing water.

It was exactly what he needed.

Naruto was gentle as he took the bottle from her fingers, holding it just above his mouth. He tilted it slightly, letting the cool water flow into his mouth in refreshing, steady gulps, carefully avoiding the lid from direct contact with his lips.

As he drank, Naruto let out a contented hum, savoring the cool water as it soothed his dry throat. The refreshing chill of it truly hit the spot, quenching his thirst and easing his fatigue, though it did little to shake off the unease he felt.

He took a few more generous swigs, attempting to clear his head as the silence between them grew heavier.

The distant rumble of thunder rolled again, now louder and more insistent than before.

The storm was getting closer.

They sat in silence for a moment, enjoying each other's company as they caught their breath after their performance.

Hinata let out a contented sigh and surprised him by resting her head on his shoulder. Her delicate hair brushed against his neck, her eyes fluttering close as she just took the moment to embrace the quiet.

Naruto paused mid-swig, his lips curling into a faint, appreciative smile as he shifted his gaze down at her. She was so close now that he could see how the soft glow of the streetlight illuminated the gentle curve of her cheek, her long, dewy eyelashes gently brushing against her face, and the delicate flush of her pale skin.

His smile widened, but in that moment, his gaze wandered to a place it shouldn't have—her thigh, revealed by her mondor tights.

He bit his lip, fighting the impulse to place his hand there. The affection he wanted to express was simmering just beneath the surface, and he could almost feel his hand itching to reach out, to touch her, to feel the warmth of her skin.

But he didn't.

Instead, he reveled the gentle rise and fall of Hinata's chest and the warmth of her body pressed against his.

He blew out a deep breath.

For a brief, precious moment, they allowed themselves to just be—no cameras flashing, no intrusive paparazzi, no clamoring fans, and no icy rink to return to.

They just sat there, in silence.

It was a rare pause for them, a gentle reprieve. It was a moment they rarely got, a chance where they could just be together, away from the chaos, away from coach and her expectations, and just away from the demands of their public lives.

But unfortunately, the peace was short-lived.

Suddenly, Hinata broke the silence, but what she said was definitely not what Naruto was expecting.

"Naruto-kun." She began, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Aren't you tired of pretending?"

The moment she spoke, the moment she said those words, Naruto nearly choked on the water in his mouth, his eyes widening in surprise. A muffled groan escaped him as he spluttered, barely managing to keep the water bottle from spilling from his grip.

Hinata quickly pulled away from his shoulder, turning to face him with concern. She placed a hand on his shoulder, her voice trembling slightly, "N-Naruto-kun, a-are you okay?"

"Pretending?" Naruto stammered, his voice thick with shock. He was struggling to process her words, unsure if what she said was real, a dream, or just him getting lost in his thoughts again.

He couldn't tell which.

Hinata's expression hardened at his dumbfounded question.

She took a deep breath, her lavender eyes shimmering in the dim light, "Yes, pretending," She confirmed decisively, pulling her hand from his shoulder and throwing her hands up in exasperation.

"Aren't you tired of the lies, the façade? Aren't you tired of pretending there's nothing...between us?"

Naruto's eyes shot wide.

"I... I don't know what you're talking about," Naruto said, but his voice trembled.

Deep down, he knew he was lying to himself—he knew exactly what she talking about.

He just wasn't expecting her to bring it up so soon, in this way, or even that she would feel the same way he did.

But yes, the whole façade was wearing him down just as much as it was for her. But he knew better. He'd already tried to work things out in his head, and all those what-ifs only led to fail, after, fail, after fail.

Naruto knew that admitting the issue wouldn't fix anything; it'd just make things messier. Accepting their feelings and acting on their love wouldn't do them any good either.

They both knew what could happen if they did—if they were caught.

And Naruto couldn't let that happen—not after all the hard work they've invested, not with how important their careers are, and not with how much their partnership means to them.

He just couldn't.

Still, if Hinata felt the same way, maybe he...

Hinata let out an exasperated sigh at his silence, shaking her head causing more of her dark blue hair to slip free from her bun.

"N-Naruto-kun, I don't know about you, but I'm just so tired," She said, her voice trembling more than ever. Her shoulders slumped, her fingers gathering the fabric of her dress at her thighs and clutching it tightly. She twisted the fabric nervously, her knuckles white.

"I'm so tired of pretending all the time," She continued, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, "Tonight... during the competition... it was so painful. I felt like I was suffocating, like I couldn't breathe. I just had to get out, to escape... The pressure, the facade, it all came crashing down. I couldn't keep up the act anymore."

She sniffed, trying with all of her might to hold back her tears, "Pretending to be 'professional' for the sake of the contract—it's exhausting. I can't even sleep properly anymore." Her voice broke as she shook her head, frustrated, "The lies, the fake smiles, this whole charade—it's all just too much."

The thunder rumbled louder and louder, almost as if it was echoing the storm between them. Each crack of thunder seemed to hit just as hard as Hinata's words, amplifying the chaos she was feeling inside.

Naruto was stunned, staring at her as if she was a ghost. His eyes were wide and unblinking, and his mouth kept opening and closing, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't make a sound or say...anything.

He was utterly speechless, trapped in his own shock.

His mind was a jumbled mess, and every nerve in his body felt frozen. His breath came in short, uneven gasps as he struggled to make sense of Hinata's unexpected confession—her breakdown.

It was so sudden and completely out of character for her, like a long-dormant volcano suddenly erupting out of nowhere. Naruto felt overwhelmed, as if a shockwave had just hit him, as if the world was ending.

Hinata had always seemed so calm and collected, and he'd always admired her for that. He sure as hell couldn't keep his emotions in check as well as she could.

She was the one who started each day with meditation, immersed herself in self-help books during breaks and kept herself busy with exercise or anything to stay active.

Now he understood why she did all of that.

She was struggling just as he was, doing her best to hold it all together.

Naruto swallowed nervously, his hands trembling slightly as he screwed the cap back onto the water bottle and set it down beside his feet on the ground. He turned to her and gently placed his hands on her shoulders, feeling the slight tremor in her muscles.

"Hina, let's just take a deep breath and try to calm down, okay?" He said, his voice calm, "You're just really stressed out right now. The competition was tough, and, like you said, you haven't been sleeping well. It's all taking a toll on you." He gave her shoulders a comforting squeeze, hoping it would help her relax.

It didn't.

In fact, his effort only seemed to make her more upset.

Hinata shook her head vigorously, brushing his hands off her shoulders, "No, no, no! Please, don't tell me to calm down, Naruto-kun," She said, her voice trembling with raw emotion, "For the first time in ages, I feel like I'm finally seeing things clearly. I know what I'm feeling. I've been feeling this way for so long, and no amount of sleep is going to change that or keep me from denying it."

She turned to him, and he saw that her eyes were red and puffy, filled with unshed tears. She sniffled, "Nothing can make me stop feeling this way about..." She bit her trembling lip.

"You."

Naruto sighed deeply, a sharp ache settling in his chest. It was as if time had come to a standstill, and he was stuck, his gaze locked on Hinata. His heart thudded in his chest, each beat heavy with the weight of her words and the raw emotion in her eyes.

She looked so different from the usual composed Hinata he knew. She was a mess, but in a way that made her even more...

...beautiful.

Her dark blue hair had tumbled out of its bun, framing her face in loose, disheveled waves. Her pale skin seemed almost luminous in the overhanging street light, and her glossy lips trembled, her breaths coming out shaky, ragged.

Her lavender eyes, usually so soft and calm, were now brimming with tears that glistened as she gazed up at him. Those big, teary eyes seemed to plead with him, as if begging him to feel the same way she did, to see through the facade and recognize the truth.

It was clear from those beautifully teary lavender pools just how much she was hurting.

Seeing her like this, Naruto couldn't ignore the truth anymore.

Who was he kidding anyway?

He felt every bit of her pain, as if it were his own. He wasn't going to pretend that hearing her admit she felt the same way wasn't a huge relief—it was.

It really was.

The fact that her feelings mirrored his own, that they both wrestled with the same emotions and despised pretending, gave him an odd sense of comfort.

Just like her, he hadn't been sleeping well either.

In fact, he'd spent countless nights tossing and turning, trapped in a relentless cycle of unanswered questions and unfulfilled dreams that never came to pass. Every restless hour, every practice session, every competition was a reminder of the exhausting charade he was living.

The lie he was trapped in.

The endless facade of being okay, of pretending everything was fine, had finally caught up with him.

He was tired, too.

Naruto whimpered, his lips quivering.

'Yes, Hinata-chan, I'm tired of pretending too,' His mind shouted, almost as if he wanted her to hear it.

Right then, he didn't care about anything else.

He didn't care how messy or complicated things might get if he admitted the truth. He didn't care if it meant trouble, breaking the contract, or even risking his whole career.

He was done with all of it.

The truth needed to come out, and he was ready to face what they both felt, no matter what came next.

Hinata took a shaky breath, lowering her gaze to her lap.

She continued, allowing her nagging thoughts and painful emotions to just...spill out.

"Ice skating has been my whole life." She whimpered, "Competing, being out there on the ice, it's all I've ever known, all I've ever wanted. But being with you, skating alongside you, holding you, trusting you... it means just as much to me."

Her voice wavered as she continued, "If I have to choose between the one thing I've always loved and the person I care about... I honestly don't know how I could deal with that. I don't want to choose." She whimpered, wrestling with her thoughts.

"I want both," She finally said aloud, "I want to skate, and I want to be with you."

She shook her head, her words faltering, "I want... no, I-I need-"

Naruto shook his head. Fuck it.

"I love you."

Hinata's eyes shot wide in shock at Naruto's sudden confession, leaving her stunned beyond words. She sputtered, practically choking on her own saliva.

For a moment, she was silent, her mouth opening and closing in disbelief as she tried to process what he had just said.

"N-Nani?" She stammered, snapping her head up at him.

Naruto smiled warmly, "I said, I love you, Hinata-chan." He voiced again, nodding to confirm her suspicions, to reassure her that he meant every word.

And he watched in awe as Hinata's face instantly lit up like a sunrise, her tears of confusion turning into tears of joy. It was the most beautiful sight Naruto had ever seen, and he felt a rush of happiness knowing he was the one who brought it out in her.

"I've loved you for as long as I can remember," Naruto said softly, his smile stretching wider across his whiskered face, "So, of course, I'm tired of pretending too." His voice was gentle as he reached out, his finger lightly tracing her jawline.

He felt a thrill of happiness as she sighed softly and leaned into his touch, "I'm tired of pretending I don't want to touch you," He murmured, his blue eyes sparkling with warmth.

His fingers traced down her face, thumb grazing her lips—those soft, tempting lips he'd imagined kissing more times than he could count.

"I'm tired of pretending I don't want to kiss you," He whispered, his gaze burning with the raw, intense desire that had been building inside him for what felt like forever. Everything he'd been bottling up was spilling out, his emotions running wild, his words flowing freely without any filter.

This was it—the moment of truth.

There was no turning back now.

But what he didn't realize was that Hinata didn't want him to stop. Her breath hitched at his touch, trembling like his fingers were fire, setting her skin ablaze with every light caress.

His fingers slid down to grasp her hand, holding it firmly against the bench, "And I'm tired of pretending I don't want to be with you," He admitted, his voice soft but sure.

"Hinata-chan, that stupid contract we signed has been such a pain, getting in the way of everything. No matter how hard I tried to push it aside and keep going, I... I couldn't do it. I couldn't either, Hinata-chan."

Gently, Naruto swept a loose curl from her face, tucking it behind her ear. His finger lingered just a moment longer, softly wiping away a stray tear as it slipped from her eye and rolled down her cheek.

"I want you to know, Hinata-chan, you've always been special to me—always," He murmured dreamingly, his gaze locked with hers as if he could lose himself in her eyes forever, "From the moment we first met and skated together, I knew you were something extraordinary. I've been so grateful to have you as my partner, to even be able to call you my friend, no, my best friend." He exclaimed in glee, causing Hinata to giggle, "Every practice, every competition, every moment we have shared together has been amazing, everything I have always dreamed of."

"O-Oh, N-Naruto-kun," Hinata gasped, her voice trembling with joy, completely at a loss for words.

Naruto shook his head, his spiky blonde hair bouncing with the motion, "I don't want to pretend it's just part of the job anymore. I want more than that." He finally admitted, laying it all out there, "I want you as more than a partner or a best friend. I want you to be someone truly special in my life." He breathed out a soft whimper.

"I want...you, Hinata-chan."

"Oh, Naruto-kun, oh kami," Hinata sputtered, trying to hold back tears. She was overwhelmed with gratitude to hear him say those words, relieved and thankful that he felt the same way as she did.

She was so relieved, so happy.

She squeezed his hand tighter, her face lighting up with a smile that outshone all the ones she'd ever shown for the cameras—a real, genuine smile.

"I love you too, Naruto-kun. Oh, I love you so much."

In that moment, they instinctively leaned in, their faces inching closer like they were sharing the same thought. Their breaths mingled, warm and uneven, as their lips finally touched in a kiss that seemed long overdue.

The instant their lips met, it felt like a burst of fireworks exploded inside them, brighter and more powerful than anything they'd ever experienced. Every spark of ecstasy that erupted from their lips touching seemed to dance through their bodies, setting their souls on fire and making everything else blur away.

In that moment, it was just the two of them, lost in their own world, where nothing else mattered.

Everything felt right, perfect—like the world had finally fallen into place.

The kiss started out soft and gentle, tender and a bit hesitant, but soon it grew into something more, something passionate.

They melted into each other with moans of bliss. Their heads tilted and bobbed as they eagerly searched for the perfect angle, trying to deepen the kiss and feel more of each other.

Naruto let out a soft moan as his tongue traced Hinata's plump lips, and he sighed in bliss when he felt her lips part slightly for him.

He happily took the invitation.

Gently, he slipped his tongue inside to explore her mouth—her gums, her teeth, her everything.

Hinata let out a soft moan and moved her tongue to meet his. She shyly twirled and played with his tongue, and Naruto responded by cupping the back of her head and pulling her closer. This deepened the kiss even more, and Hinata rewarded him for doing so by tilting her head and drawing his lips and tongue further into her mouth, as if she wanted every part of him.

Naruto groaned in bliss.

It wasn't long before their kiss grew messy, desperate, raw.

Their mixed saliva dripped from their lips and down their chins, their breathing became ragged, and their hearts pounded so hard it felt like they might burst from their chests. They reached for each other, fingers gripping fiercely against their competition outfits, tugging and pulling with desperate need.

They couldn't stop.

They didn't want to stop.

They were completely lost—lost in their desires, lost in each other.

Every flick of their tongues, every moan, every second with their faces pressed together sparked a fire inside them, driven by a need they had been holding back for so long.

For those precious moments, nothing else mattered—not the competition, not the contract, not even the storm that was now upon them. The kiss they shared was one that spoke of everything they'd wanted to say, a declaration of love that needed no words.

The moment was theirs and they were going to savor every bit of it...together.

Naruto let out a muffled moan, his hooded blue eyes glancing down in the kiss. But that is when he caught sight of a fresh tear sliding down Hinata's cheek. He used his thumb to gently wipe it away but just as he did, he saw another tear trickling down.

And then another, and another...

The tears just kept flowing, splashing all over her face, her forehead, and her cheeks. Naruto frowned, confused by what was happening. Before he could react, he felt a drop of water land on his own face. He gasped, pulling back quickly from the kiss and looking up, only to see a surprising sight.

It turned out it wasn't Hinata's tears after all—it was the sky's.

"Hinata-chan," Naruto called out, a big, goofy grin on his face, "It's raining."

Hinata blinked, still a bit dazed from their kiss, but she looked up.

At first, the raindrops were light and barely noticeable, but soon the sky opened up, and the rain came down in sheets, pouring like a flood, soaking everything around them—especially them.

Hand in hand, Naruto and Hinata sat there under the heavy downpour, their competition outfits soaking through quickly, clinging tightly to their bodies.

The relentless rain had transformed Hinata's dark blue hair into a near-black sheen in no time, with water streaming down and darkening both sides of her stunning dress—the white and the black. Her frizzy hair was plastered to her face, and her bangs drooped over her eyes, weighed down by the steady rain.

Naruto's spiky blonde hair was no better, now a wet mop on top of his head. Water streamed steadily down his face and shoulders, soaking him completely, turning his tight outfit into a clingy, soggy mess that clung even tighter to his muscular body.

Hinata let out a soft laugh, a sound like a sigh of relief, "Oh, Naruto-kun," She said, her voice blending with the sound of the rain, "it really is raining."

"Yeah, afraid so." Naruto said, glancing up at the dark, swirling clouds, "And judging by those clouds up there, it doesn't look like it's going to let up anytime soon."

Hinata shook her head, a playful smile gracing her lips, "I don't want to head inside just yet." Her expression suddenly shifted, revealing a hint of mischief, "But I have somewhere else in mind for us to go."

Naruto raised an eyebrow, intrigued, and held out his hand to feel the rain, letting it patter softly against his palm, "Hm? And where would that be?"

He turned only to meet seductive lavender eyes staring back at him.

Hinata pressed a finger to her dewy lips and allowed her other hand to slide teasingly up his thigh, a touch that made him shudder so good.

At that moment, he knew exactly what Hinata had in mind.

"Shh, it's a secret."

●・○・●・○・●

When Hinata mentioned she had somewhere else in mind to go to escape the rain, Naruto certainly wasn't expecting this.

But he wasn't about to pretend he didn't like it.

He was done with pretending.

Hand in hand, Naruto followed Hinata through the downpour, the sound of water splashing beneath their feet as they hurried toward their sleek, black VIP Tour bus, waiting just a few blocks ahead.

The bus gleamed under the streetlights, its sleek black exterior shining back at them through the merciless sheet of rain.

Their names—Naruto Uzumaki and Hinata Hyūga—were painted in bold, bright letters along the side, impossible to miss. Next to their names, an image of them on the ice was projected, hand in hand, perfectly capturing the same graceful pose they struck after every performance at every competition.

Raindrops streamed down the bus, sliding over the image, but it remained crystal clear, front and center for anyone passing by to admire.

The rain came down even harder, but that didn't stop Naruto and Hinata. They picked up their pace, and before long, they were climbing aboard the bus.

Inside, they were welcomed by a rush of warm air and the sight of their half-asleep bus driver, who jolted awake at the sudden noise of their arrival.

"Wh-What in tarnation—?"

His eyes widened in surprise at the sight of the two skaters, clearly not expecting them back so soon, let alone soaked to the bone but with grins on their faces. And as if that wasn't weird enough, they were holding hands too...

The middle-aged man raised an eyebrow.

"Don't mind us. We're just taking a quick break," Hinata said with a friendly smile. She was about to step further inside with Naruto when she paused and glanced back at the driver.

"Oh, and could you keep it a secret that we were here, pwease?" Hinata asked sweetly, giving the driver her signature puppy dog eyes. Naruto had to bite his lip to keep from laughing. He knew that look all too well—it was her secret weapon, one she'd pulled on him more times than he could count.

Every time she softened those adorable lavender eyes, furrowed her brows, and pouted her plump lips—hitting him with that lethal triple combo—it completely took him out, every single time.

His knees would go weak, his heart would melt, and he would find himself giving in to her whims without a second thought. That look was just impossible to resist, and Hinata certainly knew that. Which is why: exhibit A—it would surely work on this guy, too.

And it did.

The middle-aged driver chuckled, his expression softening right away.

He leaned back in his seat and nodded at the pouty midnight blue-haired skater, "Yeah, yeah. I gotcha," He mumbled, "My lips are sealed." Then he tipped his hat down to cover his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest, leaving it at that.

Naruto and Hinata exchanged glances, biting back their grins.

They didn't need to hear anything more before they took off, leaving the bus driver to his beauty sleep.

Hand in hand, even still, they dashed toward the back of the bus, their laughter mingling with the sound of the pouring rain outside.

In no time flat, they reached the back and made sure to shut the door behind them, blocking out the noise from the front and claiming the cozy space all to themselves.

Inside their VIP Tour Bus was their little cozy hideaway from the rain, the chaos of the competition, and just everything else. It was a place where they could be themselves and do what they wanted without anyone watching, without anyone rushing or nagging them, and...

...without any interruptions.

Naruto couldn't help but admire how clever it was of Hinata to bring them here. Oddly enough, it hadn't crossed his mind to seek shelter here, in the bus, but he was really grateful the thought crossed hers.

It felt like the perfect spot for them to sort out a few... things.

Their VIP Tour bus was anything but ordinary; it truly lived up to its name: VIP.

It was spacious and luxurious, feeling more like a cozy lounge than a typical bus. The inviting interior featured soft, plush seating that made you feel like you were sinking into a cloud as soon as you took a seat.

The walls were sleek, smooth, and modern, adorned with warm wood accents that added a cozy, inviting feel to the place. There were lights galore, and each one could be easily dimmed, either with a remote or by hand, setting the perfect mood for the two skaters' private time together.

Framed photos from past performances and fun photo shoots decorated the shelves, while their medals sparkled on almost every wall, catching the light just right.

The bus had an awesome sound system and several mounted TVs placed around, making it perfect for entertainment on the go. The kitchenette was super handy too, featuring a sink, microwave, mini oven, bar, and a mini fridge filled with tasty snacks and refreshing drinks.

The bus was also equipped with plenty of bathrooms, beds, and storage spaces, ensuring that all Naruto and Hinata's needs were met during long trips to competitions.

Throughout the bus, soft leather couches, colorful throw pillows, and cozy blankets were scattered about, each seat calling out to the two lovebirds to plop on and finally give in to the naughty thoughts swirling in their heads.

With so many seating options to choose from, it was always a fun challenge to find the perfect spot to relax and enjoy themselves.

But for Hinata and Naruto, that choice was simple this time.

The real fun awaited them at the back, where the sectional couch was ready and waiting.

Naruto chuckled as Hinata gave him a playful shove, sending him sinking deep into the couch, the soft cushions almost swallowing his soaked body whole.

He bit his lip, his gaze fixed on her as she reached over and slowly began to twist the lighting knob on the wall. The dimming lights of their section of the bus responded to her pace, growing darker with each click, as if she had total control over the room—and him.

All the while, Naruto couldn't look away from her, and she found herself caught in the same dilemma, unable to look away from him either.

Once the room was dim enough for Hinata's liking, she began to move toward Naruto—taking her first sexy steps.

Her hips swayed side to side as she walked, exuding a confidence and a playful naughtiness that Naruto had never seen from her before.

It had him shooked, eyes wide but with a stupid grin on his face.

The way her hips rocked made her wet dress flutter around her, the sequins catching the faint light and twinkling off his face, even in the dimness.

He couldn't take his eyes off her as she reached behind her, keeping her gaze locked on him as she began to unzip her dress.

Naruto chuckled once more, casually stretching his arms across the back of the couch.

"You sure you wanna do this, Hina?"

It was a vague question, but they both understood what it meant—what they wanted to do but shouldn't. But that "shouldn't" was irrelevant now. It was all about what they wanted, at this moment, nothing else.

So...

Hinata nodded, stepping closer to him. Pausing her unzipping, she pushed one leg forward to nudge his leg open, then did the same with the other.

Naruto squinted his eyes up at her, intrigued.

"I'm sure, Naruto-kun." She whispered, breathless.

Naruto responded with a soft hum, "Hmm, just checking."

He leaned in a bit closer, his voice dropping to a low murmur.

"Because I'm sure too."

With that, he surprised her by suddenly launching forward, wrapping his arms around her waist and lifting her petite frame off her feet and right onto his lap.

It happened so fast that Hinata couldn't even manage a gasp.

It felt so natural to Naruto—lifting her.

He had done it countless times on the ice, so he was well-acquainted with the feeling of her body snug in his arms. Her small frame was a weight he was familiar with, and he never had any trouble carrying her.

This time was no different; the way he lifted her off the ground and onto him was so smooth and effortless that he didn't even flinch, just like he wouldn't during a perfect lift in their routines.

It was instinctive, requiring barely any thought at all.

He chuckled at the surprised expression on her face as her hands instinctively shot up to grip his shoulders, clearly startled by the sudden lift.

"N-Naruto-kun!"

"I've got you; ya know I won't let you fall, my love," He teased, leaning in to place gentle kisses along her neck. His fingers slid up her body, moving behind her shoulders to find the zipper of her costume dress. He grasped it and slowly began to ease it down.

"Here, let me help," Naruto murmured against her skin, making a flush rise to Hinata's cheeks.

Outside, the rain poured down in a relentless onslaught, tapping against the bus like a million tiny drummers, with droplets streaming down the tinted windows one after another.

The rhythmic sound was almost soothing, wrapping them up and and muffling the quiet zip of the zipper and the soft thud of wet clothes and shoes hitting the floor.

In no time, Naruto had slipped off Hinata's dress and tennis shoes, all while moving to the other side of her neck to plant more gentle kisses.

His kisses were slow but hungry, shifting from a careful pace of savoring her to an overwhelming need to devour every part of her. His lips left a wet, messy trail along her jawline, down her neck, over her pulse, and across her collarbone before reaching her shoulder.

Hinata moaned softly, one hand tangling in his hair while the other pressed against the window behind him, smudging the glass as she settled deeper into his lap, her breath briefly fogging it up.

"Oh yes, N-Naruto-kun," She whimpered, urging him for more as she melted under the electrifying touch of his kisses.

Naruto's kisses—they were everything she had ever dreamed of and more.

Each kiss seemed to leave behind a spark that lingered on her skin, slowly spreading into a wildfire that warmed her from the inside out, especially between her legs, heating her up in all the right places.

She shivered on top of him, now stripped to just her leotard and tights, which clung tightly to her petite frame.

Naruto was quick to reach for the zipper of her white leotard, but then he paused, looking up at her.

He raised one blonde eyebrow.

"On or off?" He whispered huskily, "The tights," He trailed off, nodding at her mondor tights that clung to her pale legs, "are definitely staying on—they're just too sexy to take off. But this..." He gestured to her leotard, his gaze lingering.

"What do you think is hotter? On or off?" He asked again.

Hinata paused, biting her lip as she considered his question, her hands gently rushing up to cradle his whiskered cheeks.

The warmth of her touch sent a shiver down his spine.

"Honestly, both are super hot," She giggled, her lavender eyes mischievous. That playful look made Naruto's heart race, and he felt a rush of excitement wash over him, making it hard to focus on anything else but her, only her.

Naruto chuckled, "Can't decide either, huh?"

Hinata nodded with a playful pout, "No, that's a tough one, Naruto-kun. You're making me think, and I'm too..." She lowered her voice, "horny to think."

Naruto laughed at her cuteness, shaking his wet blonde hair, "Sorry, Hina, but this isn't just on me. We're in this together." He shrugged, his grin playful, "We need to figure this out, love—on or off? Which is it?" He repeated, stifling his laughter while playfully zipping her leotard up and down.

Hinata playfully threw a mini temper tantrum on top of him, pouting even more.

"No, I—I can't decide," She groaned, shaking her head. She took his hand and guided it away from the zipper of her leotard. She lowered it, catching him off guard as she guided his hand to her covered breast.

A shiver ran through her as his large hand instinctively cupped her left breast, sinking his thick fingers into its softness.

They both let out soft moans.

"I can't d-decide because..." She leaned in to kiss him gently, their lips lingering for a moment before they pulled away, "I'd love to be completely naked for you, Naruto-kun, to take off these clothes and show you every part of me—of my body," She whispered against his lips, nearly driving him wild.

"Oh Hina," Naruto moaned, "you spoil me, baby."

"D-Demo..." Hinata gave him another kiss, causing him to groan, "I'd also love to have you inside me while I'm still in my costume," She said softly, leaning in to whisper in his ear.

"Wouldn't that, after all, be more...rebellious?"

"Mmm, Hinata-chan," Naruto murmured, feeling a rush of excitement at her unexpected boldness.

She was just full of delightful surprises tonight, showing a side of herself that was both sexy and daring, piquing his interest—turning him on.

So, recalling her words, he decided to take a closer look at her, fully taking in the sight of her dressed in her leotard.

He took a good, long look at her.

Running his hands down her soft curves, he followed the shape of her petite body through the thin fabric of her white leotard.

The material hugged her like a second skin, shaping itself to every curve and dip of her as if it was a part of her own body.

Hinata's skin seemed to come alive under his touch, a tingling feeling spreading with each caress. Every gentle stroke from his fingertips sent a pleasurable shiver down her spine, causing her body to shudder up so good on top of him.

For Naruto, it was so exciting to see how she responded to his touch, to feel her react to his every movement as he explored her freely, just as he had always wanted—as they both wanted.

Naruto bit his lip, his eyes fixed on her as he circled his thumbs around the slight protrusion of her cute nipples, visible through the fabric.

Hinata moaned softly, holding onto him tighter, "Y-Yes."

He then traced the gentle curve of her breasts beneath the leotard, causing her to shudder with pleasure. Moving downwards, he followed the faint curves of his ribs and the outline of her navel, all visible through her snug leotard.

Continuing down, he felt the fabric end abruptly, exposing the alluring V line where the leotard met her skin, leading to her creamy thighs covered in tights. Gently running his nails over the tights on her thighs, he elicited a soft gasp from Hinata.

Naruto chuckled, "Tell me, when did you become so naughty, my love?"

"Hm?" Hinata shuddered, giggling, "Well, I did say I was tired of pretending, didn't I?" She responded, playfully tilting her head.

Naruto chuckled, shaking his mop head with a grin. He lightly smacked her exposed asscheeks, working a surprise gasp out of her.

"Ooh, so naughty, I see what you did there."

They both laughed, Hinata biting her lip mischievously.

"Well then," Naruto leaned in for another kiss before whispering in her ear.

"The leotard stays on."

His husky words sent a delightful shiver through Hinata, tightening up her nether regions below.

She bit her lip.

"But for me," He continued on, "let me go all the way, let me reveal everything to you, Hina." With that, he ran his hands up her thighs, gently guiding her upright.

Hinata understood exactly what he wanted.

Naruto reached behind to unzip his own costume, and she eagerly lent a hand to assist.

Hinata helped him unzip and open up his costume completely, her hands eagerly sliding across his undershirt to caress his chest underneath. For the first time, she touched him not in a professional way, but with the intimacy she had always craved.

And the thrill of it was beyond exhilarating.

The midnight blue-haired skater traced her fingers along her blonde partner's sculpted torso, appreciating the definition of his muscles, even visible through the black fabric. But her admiration was cut short when Naruto suddenly wrapped an arm around her waist and lifted them both to a standing position for a moment.

She yelped, then giggled as she caught on to the way he intended to slip out of the rest of his costume, simply letting it fall down his legs.

Naruto chuckled as well, then flopped back onto the seat, kicking off his tennis shoes, socks, and the rest of his wet competition outfit afterward.

Now, he was down to just his undershirt, groin guard, and briefs—though not for long.

Hinata's eager fingers joined his, pinching and tugging at the fabric, determined to remove every last piece. Naruto's fingers intertwined with hers, moving in perfect sync as they worked together, not stopping until all of his clothing was stripped away.

And soon enough...

Naruto was completely bare before her, vulnerable and exposed, all hers to admire, the soft glow of the dimmed light highlighting every inch of his body.

"Oh my kami," Hinata whispered, nearly breathless with awe. Her lavender eyes roamed over his muscular chest, and when her fingertips finally made contact, a gasp escaped her lips as they sank into his firm, tanned skin, sending a thrill through her.

His chest felt as smooth and shiny as the ice they skated on, and she loved how it responded to her touch, shuddering and flexing beneath her fingers.

Naruto groaned, his hands sliding around to cup her bottom, fingers sinking into the soft skin exposed by the slit of her leotard.

"You're staring an awful lot there," He teased with a grin.

"Managed to impress you, eh?"

Hinata giggled, giving his chest a playful shove, "Oh, stop that," She said, her eyes gleaming, "You should give yourself more credit, my love." She motioned down at him—his hot bod and all—sculpted and blessed with features any man would envy and any woman would dream of touching.

She bit her lip, "Of course, you've impressed me. You look sexy, Naruto-kun."

"Mmm," Naruto groaned, feeling a twitch down below from her compliment, making him chuckle, "Looks like a special someone really liked the sound of that." He nodded toward his exposed groin, eagerly awaiting her attention.

"What about this? What do you think of this part of me, hmm?"

"Mmm, Oh, Naruto-kun," Hinata moaned softly, her hooded lavender eyes locking onto the most intimate part of him: his member.

It felt almost unreal.

There it was, right in front of her, no longer hidden beneath his briefs or the groin guard he usually wore under his tight uniforms. Now fully revealed, it was another vulnerable part of him, laid bare just for her, hers to see, to touch, to claim.

Seeing him like this—so naked and exposed—deepened her connection to Naruto in a way she hadn't felt before. It was as if they were perfectly in sync, sharing a bond that no one else could ever hope to understand. That realization flooded her body with warmth, leaving her feeling both overwhelmed but exhilarated at the same time.

Hinata couldn't resist reaching out to touch him there, her fingers curling around his bulging member.

They both shuddered in unison the moment she touched him, crossing a line of intimacy between them forever.

They both shuddered in unison the moment her fingers touched his member, a spark igniting between them as they crossed that unspoken line of intimacy that would change everything between them forever.

Hinata bit her lip, cupping him softly.

Naruto felt so hot—his intense warmth radiated in a way that didn't frighten her; instead, it intrigued her, sending a teasing heat through her fingertips, like a gentle flame dancing on her skin.

She rubbed him gently, and as she did, she could feel the blue veins beneath his skin pulsing with warmth, their bumpy texture gliding against the palm of her hands.

Her lavender eyes followed the length of his shaft, watching a drop of precum ooze from the tip and slide down between her fingers.

She tilted her head, lightly brushing her thumb across his tip, and observed as Naruto arched his back and moaned in response almost instantly.

He gave her ass a firm squeeze of approval.

"Ooh, Hina, you have no idea how long I've wanted you to touch me like that," He admitted breathlessly.

"Impressive, Naruto-kun," Hinata breathed, finally answering his earlier question, "That's what you are—every part of you." Her gaze drifted back down to his member, and a soft smile crept across her face as she reveled in the intimacy of holding something so personal, something that was entirely his.

She bit her lip, "I want you. I want you inside me so badly, Naruto-kun."

"On your cue, my love," Naruto groaned, winking at her, his lips spreading into a warm, inviting smile that made her heart race.

"Do you want to put it in, or shall I?" He asked, as was his habit before making a move, especially when it came to Hinata. His voice was teasing, but there was a hint of seriousness in his tone, wanting to make sure she was all comfortable and most importantly, ready.

Lucky for him, he didn't have to wait long for an answer.

Naruto watched as Hinata nodded without any hesitation.

"I want to put it in."

The eagerness in her voice mirrored her desire, and Hinata felt a thrilling rush of excitement at the prospect of taking that next step—of moving beyond just friendship into something more intimate, of truly connecting with Naruto for the very first time.

With that, gripping his member with her well-manicured fingers, Hinata eagerly moved to tug the bottom of her leotard aside with her other hand, uncovering her wet, shaven vagina, all ready to take in Naruto.

In fact, Hinata had been ready for him for what felt like forever, as ready as she could possibly be.

Every moment they spent together, each second that led to this point, had only deepened her desire. Now, with Naruto so close, she could no longer contain the excitement surging through her.

She was ready.

And so was Naruto.

Without hesitation, the two watched as she led the head of his rod closer and closer to her peeking vagina, anticipation building with each passing moment...

...until she suddenly halted.

"Oh, damn it!" Hinata exclaimed suddenly, catching Naruto off guard. He was jolted out of the moment, his head quickly snapping towards her with a look of alarm on his face, his heart racing.

"What? What is it, Hina?" Naruto asked rather frantically, a hint of concern creasing his brow.

"We... forgot protection," Hinata stuttered, her voice tinged with worry.

Naruto's eyebrow quirked in confusion.

"Condoms, Naruto-kun!" Hinata exclaimed, a bit louder this time, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

"Oh, condoms!" Naruto exclaimed, realization hitting him as he understood the reason for Hinata's outburst.

But he simply waved it off, shrugging, "Yeah, you're right, we don't have any. But, uh," He paused, "it's okay; we'll remember for next time." He reassured her with a casual nod, his mind already thinking ahead.

Hinata giggled, playfully nudging him in the chest, "Naruto-kun! What if there's no next time?"

Naruto gasped dramatically, "You're saying we won't have sex again?"

Hinata nudged him again, causing him to chuckle, "Not that, silly. What if... you know," Her expression turned worried, her lips forming a pout, "I get pregnant? It could complicate things, right?"

Naruto shook his head reassuringly, reaching out to gently tap her chin, "Don't worry, my love. I won't cum inside you. I promise."

"O-Okay, I trust you," She whispered softly, her voice tinged with anticipation, before continuing to lead his pulsating member forward.

Their eyes darted between each other and then down to their lower bodies, steadily shifting back and forth as her hand slowly pulled him closer.

Before long, Hinata pressed the tip of him against her warm, slick pussy lips, teasingly rubbing it back and forth as she searched for her entrance. When she found it, she smoothly slid him inside with one firm push.

The moment their lower bodies connected, the moment they became one, a surge of scorching warmth flooded through them, and they both moaned in unison.

The sound was pure ecstasy, resonating in the back of the bus.

Instinctively, Naruto tightened his grip on Hinata's trembling body, pulling her in as close as he could. Their bodies fit together seamlessly, as if this moment was always meant to be.

It was thrilling.

It was exhilarating.

It was...perfect.

Hinata gripped Naruto's thigh tightly, her eyes rolling back in pure bliss, her whole body shaking on top of him.

"Oh kami! Pl-Please don't move yet," She begged, her voice raw.

Naruto furrowed his brow, "I-I haven't. Wait, hold on a sec." He cocked his head, sensing a warmth trickling down his shaft, running over his thighs.

He gasped, "Did you just cum...already?" He teased with a smirk, tossing his head back up at her, his wet blonde bangs brushing against his face.

He snickered.

"That fast?"

Hinata groaned, striking him in the chest, "Sh-Shut up."

"You were really backed up, huh?" He teased again.

"I was just surprised by how good your cock felt inside me," Hinata admitted, moving her hands forward to clutch his shoulders, positioning herself comfortably on top of him.

"Heh," Naruto snorted, "I should've warned ya." He replied with a chuckle.

Hinata shot him a playful glare, narrowing her lavender eyes at him, but it only elicited another laugh from him.

She shook her head in a chiding manner.

"Okay, for real this time," She whimpered, wet strands of her hair falling to stick against her cheeks and neck.

"I-I'll move."

Naruto nodded in agreement, "And I'll follow your lead."

Hinata smiled eagerly, the anticipation building within her.

She couldn't wait any longer.

With her fingers keeping a good grip of Naruto's shoulders, she took the lead, lowering her hips all the down on his cock. The sensation of the last few inches of him filling her up made her gasp, and she couldn't help but crave more.

The pleasure felt so good.

In unison, they tilted their heads back, letting blissful moans escape their lips. They soaked in the joy of being so intimately connected, finally able to do what they had always longed for.

This moment was their moment, their way of expressing how much they meant to each other—through the warmth of intimacy, the depth of their feelings, and the powerful connection they shared.

Yes, it felt good indeed.

"Oh, Naruto-kun!" Hinata squealed, her voice echoing throughout the bus, the sound of the rain outside masking her words, "You feel amazing inside me. You're so big—I-I feel you everywhere!"

"Damn, baby," Naruto cursed softly, his face contorted with pleasure, "You're so tight," He groaned, "Your pretty pink pussy is squeezing me so fucking tight."

Hinata quickly wrapped her arms around his neck, realizing holding his shoulders was not enough. Boldly, she began moving her hips in a rhythmic see-saw motion, gliding herself up and down on his member.

The sensation nearly overwhelmed her.

Each time she lowered her hips, she felt a satisfying fullness as her pussy swallowed him completely, his shaft filling her inner walls and reaching places inside her that made her forget how to breathe.

With every thrust, the tip of his shaft expertly found that sweet spot inside her, each stroke pushing her closer to the edge of climax once again. The sensation was electric, igniting a fire that surged from the crown of her head down to the tips of her toes.

Everywhere.

Hinata lifted her hips again, feeling the familiar heat building within her as he retraced the same paths inside her, teasing her entrance with every tantalizing brush of his tip. As she sank back down, his shaft filled her up again, stretching her out so good.

Hinata's eyes crossed in ecstasy, seeing stars as she held Naruto tightly, almost suffocating him with her embrace.

But Naruto didn't seem to mind.

He was in pure bliss, blindly wrapping his arms around her to draw her close, but he was a bit uncertain of where to place them. He gripped her hips, guiding them to move, while also indulging in groping and smacking her ass.

Hinata clearly enjoyed that, relishing in the sensation of having her ass fondled while she rode him, her walls clenching tightly around his throbbing shaft, almost unbearably, as if trying to squeeze the life out of him.

Naruto's hot breath tickled her neck as he trailed his fingers along the curve of her backside, searching for the perfect spot to hold her. Finally, he slid one arm around the small of her back before running his hand up into her hair, gently tilting her head down to meet his so their foreheads touched.

Hinata gazed deeply into his eyes as she thrust her hips against him, starting slow to readjust and savor the sensation of having a cock inside her again, especially Naruto's cock. It stretched her out, ignited her senses, and pleasured her in a way that only he could.

A rush of various sensations flooded her all at once, many that her body had long forgotten but was now rediscovering, like opening Pandora's box. Such sensations were reawakened, and now, she knew there was no going back to forgetting them ever again.

Hinata let out a soft mewl, but Naruto leaned in to capture the sound with a sloppy, wet kiss that melded with the rhythm of their hips slapping together.

"Mmm, fuck yeah, baby," He whispered, groaning softly against her lips.

"You look so fucking sexy moving your hips like that for me, Hina." Naruto praised her, admiring her confidence as she took the lead. He enjoyed how eagerly her walls embraced his member, loving the way they caressed and massaged him every time he slid inside her.

It felt like a whole new experience being connected to Hinata. It wasn't just the pleasurable sensation of how tight, wet, and hot her insides were, no, he felt more than that—he felt her emotions, her reactions, every subtle shiver, every moment she became more and more alive.

Her beautiful moans seemed to surround him, growing louder like surround sound in his ears, in his mind.

Her warmth cocooned him so intimately, so profoundly, spreading a comforting heat through his skin, electric tingles down his nerves, and tingles through every part of his body. It sparked something in his brain unlike anything he had ever experienced before.

Naruto couldn't quite grasp it, couldn't find the words to describe it, but it felt like something out of this world, a feeling that surpassed any other feeling he's ever felt in his entire life.

And then, he felt it—her heartbeat aligning with his, thumping against his chest in perfect harmony.

It was heaven.

Naruto was certain that this was what heaven must feel like. It was a beautiful moment, a dream realized to be with Hinata like this.

He had longed for this moment for what felt like forever, and now he was savoring it all—every touch, every sound, every sensation, treasuring each second with the woman he loved.

He wished to remain like this—just like this, with her.

With Hinata.

Naruto embraced her tighter, feeling Hinata return his affection by holding him just as close. She deepened the moment by nestling her lips into the center of his bangs, gently planting a soft kiss on his forehead.

He let out a contented sigh, sinking into the couch and her embrace, reveling in the bliss of the moment.

As time went on, Hinata began to gain more confidence in riding him, gradually picking up speed and exploring naughty desires that even took Naruto by surprise.

She adjusted her position on top of him, tightening her grip around his neck. Shifting her legs for better leverage, she planted her feet firmly on each side of him, pressing them into the leather of the couch, causing it to sink slightly beneath them.

She decided to change things up, and she suddenly began to throw her hips more recklessly on top of him. The loud slap of their hips echoed through their section of the bus, challenging the noise of the heavy rain and thunder outside.

She hopped fervently on his lap, losing herself in the addictive sensation of her inner walls rubbing themselves against Naruto's warm, thick member, relishing the overwhelming fullness that followed.

She wanted to feel more, so much more.

In no time flat, Naruto's groans intensified, bursting out of him uncontrollably to fill up the space, to fill up Hinata's ears. Each one was loud and abrupt, as if ripped from his core to simply flood straight out of his open mouth.

"Fuck, fuck, fuck!" He groaned after every thrust of her hips, feeling her greedy pussy take him all the way down to the hilt. With each thrust, her asscheeks playfully slapped against his balls, causing his eyes to roll back and his head to fall against the couch in pleasure.

"Hai, hai, hai!" Hinata cried out in delight. Her eyes rolled back, her teeth slipping down to tug at her lip as she pursued her climax, chasing it, and chasing it, until she finally caught up to it. She whimpered, driving her hips down one final time, only to coat his shaft entirely in her cum.

"E-Eek!"

"Fuck!"

They both exclaimed in usion, their legs giving way to tremors, particularly Hinata, who was left in a quivering heap.

"O-O-Oh k-kami!" Hinata squealed in a frenzy, reeling from the aftershocks of her climax. Her legs shook uncontrollably, her body trembling so intensely that she couldn't find the strength to steady herself. The sensitivity of her pussy around him was almost unbearable, the pleasure so intense that it left her unable to do anything but collapse onto Naruto's chest.

"N-Naruto-kun, Naruto-kun!" She whimpered, a jumbled mess, reaching up to tangle her fingers in his hair, holding onto him tightly as if he were the anchor to steady her trembling body.

But...

....that was not the case.

Because in a heartbeat, Hinata felt a sudden lift, the leather couch disappearing from beneath her feet, leaving them suspended in mid-air. She gasped, snapping her head up only to be greeted by a cheeky grin from a sweaty Naruto.

He took a stand, effortlessly picking her up in his arms, his large hands securing her tight covered thighs on each side. Playfully, he jostled her petite frame in his hold, causing her to squeak, her arms instinctively wrapping back around his neck.

"Naruto-kun-!"

"Let's kick it up a notch, shall we?" He leaned in to kiss her cheek, groaning softly against her skin.

"You can handle that, right?"

She couldn't even respond before Naruto took control, thrusting his hips vigorously against her with a speed that left her gasping. The intensity of his thrusts were so abrupt, so powerful, so good, that they had her seeing stars, had her feeling like she was transcending.

Her facial features practically flatlined, falling...blank.

"You can handle this, right?" Naruto asked again, his voice a growl as he rocked her body back and forth against his erect cock, which plunged in and out of her uncovered pussy like a power drill, accompanied by the wet sounds of her juices splashing down his shaft and pooling on the floor.

Hinata's toes curled in the air beside his hips, her arms wrapping around his neck tighter and tighter. A deep, guttural groan escaped from deep within her, so intense that she had to shut her eyes tightly, her lips forming a deep pout.

"Oh kami!!! I'm cumming! I'm gonna cum!" She cried out in sobs, her legs flailing wildly. Her stomach muscles clenched tightly as she reached another orgasm, her juices flowing out of her like a sprinkler.

"Guh! It feels so good!! I can't stop cumming, Naruto-kun!"

"Damn right," Naruto grunted. "You cum, and you keep cumming, baby." He growled near her ear as he thrust her against his shaft, harder and harder each time.

"This cock is all yours, Hina. I want you greedy for it," He whispered, nibbling at her earlobe.

"Tell me you're greedy for my cock."

"I'm greedy for you cock, Naruto-kun!"

"Louder baby! It's raining outside, I can't hear you!"

"I'm greedy, Naruto-kun!" She cried out at the top of her lungs, "I'm greedy for your cock!"

"Now, that's better!" He roared in approval.

Quickly adjusting her position in his arms, Naruto let her legs hang freely around his waist. With one hand supporting her bottom, he lifted her up. To her surprise, he used his other hand to slide up her body and tug at her leotard, causing her breasts to pop out one by one, like a game of peek-a-boo.

"Ooh," Hinata moaned, giving them a shake for him, "You're such a naughty boy, Naruto-kun." She teased, earning a chuckle from the blonde man.

"You wanted to see my breasts, hm, my love?"

"I do, and I want to see them jiggle as I fuck you, baby," He confessed, biting his lip, eliciting a squeal from her.

He bent her over, prompting her to wrap her legs around his waist and cling to him. Guiding her arms under his, he directed her to grasp the back of his forearms as he held her waist. With her body positioned horizontally in midair, he began to thrust against her again but with increasing speed, filling her pussy full of cock.

He observed with delight as she flapped like a fish out of water, hanging just a few feet above the ground. Her glossy lavender eyes rolled back, her mouth falling open as a cascade of moans spilled out one after the other.

Her dark hair was completely free from its bun at this point, tumbing messily everywhere, covering her face, failing in the air. Each thrust pounded into her pussy relentlessly, penetrating her in a way that made it difficult for her to breathe, to moan, to think.

Just as Naruto wanted, her pale, creamy breasts jiggled wildly about, bouncing and swaying before his face. The sight was so sexy, prompting him to lean down and gobble them up, all while continuing to fuck her horizontally in mid-air—a remarkable feat, indeed.

"Naruto-kun! Naruto-kun! Gahh, Naruto-kun!" Hinata could only scream his name as she was led to cum over and over again, the whiplash of his hips slamming into hers clashing with her screams, bouncing off the walls of the VIP bus.

Raising his head from her breasts, having moistened each nipple with his saliva, Naruto let out a growl through gritted teeth. Switching tactics, he guided her forward to position her on the other side of the sectional couch, laying her down on her back.

Eagerly, Hinata giggled and raised her legs up high in the air. She grasped her ankles and effortlessly pulled them back until they touched her ears, giving Naruto easy access to everything her slipped-over leotard provided—her gaping wet pussy.

"Fuck, you're so beautiful, Hina." Naruto moaned, leaning down to drag his open lips across her inner thigh. He moved to the other thigh to give that side a kiss as well, before finally planting a kiss directly on her wet pussy.

Hinata whimpered, her back arching against the couch.

Naruto grinned up at her, then spat a wad of saliva along her vagina, giving the quivering lips a gentle rub before straightening up.

Lifting one leg beside her head, he took hold of his cock at the base and guided it into her gaping pussy. They both watched in playful surprise as it slipped in smoothly with a wet plop, his tip disappearing inside her

His hands gripped the back of the couch as his body hovered over Hinata, and with that, he went back to thrusting into her.

Once more, they went at it.

Again...

and again...

...and again...

The couch, the floor, against the wall—they fucked everywhere on the bus, letting the burning desire within them just take them over.

Time didn't matter.

Consequences didn't matter.

Nothing else mattered in that moment except each other.

They were in their own world now—lost in each other, blind by each other.

It was a consequence.

It was a consequence of keeping everything bottled up for far too long.

They had denied their feelings and pretended that what was between them didn't exist, pushing it aside time and time again. But now, all that restraint was bursting free, and there was no stopping it.

Now, they were finally letting go of all that pent-up tension, all of that pent-up longing, all of that backed up ick and they were not gonna stop until they were nice and satisfied...

....until they were nice and exhausted.

With a deep, drawn-out breath, Naruto collapsed onto the couch beside Hinata, his body feeling like jelly, muscles numb from how much they had gone at it. Sweat covered every inch of his naked skin, dripping down his face, replacing the rainwater that had once soaked him.

His vision was a bit wonky, seeing double as he turned his half-lidded eyes toward Hinata, who was just as exhausted as he was.

She was there, in the middle of fixing herself up, struggling to push her breasts back into her leotard, brushing her tangled midnight blue hair out of her face.

The bus was quiet now, the sound of the rain outside finally gone, leaving only the soft, heavy breaths between them.

She smiled wearily as their eyes met, her muscles aching, "Oh, that was so nice," She sighed blissfully, her voice barely above a whisper.

Naruto gave her a tired grin, his body sinking deeper into the couch, fully aware they'd pushed themselves to their limits. He hadn't felt this worn out in a long time, not even after their grueling practice sessions.

But it was worth it—so worth it.

He nodded, reaching over to playfully pat her thigh, "Oh yeah, that was incredible...Ah, crap," Naruto muttered, smacking his forehead as the reminder hit him—his coach's words popping back into his head.

They had interviews.

Hinata perked up, in a panic snapping her glossy lavender eyes over at him, "Wh-What is it, Naruto-kun?"

"Anko sensei said we had interviews."

"N-Nani? Itsu?" Hinata stammered, shocked.

This was the first time she heard about this.

Naruto sighed, "I'm afraid, when is the problem." He groaned, trying to think, but his mind was just too foggy. Shaking his head, he managed to recall a few bits and pieces.

"When I was on my way to find you after our performance, I actually ran into Anko-sensei. She told me once I found you, to come straight back. Said we had interviews in a few hours... whatever that means now."

Naruto sighed again, feeling a little guilty, "I totally forgot to tell you."

"Oh, Naruto-kun," Hinata gently scolded him.

"Yeah..."

"It's okay, my love," She said, turning to him and gently cupping his whiskered cheek, "Besides, there's no place I'd rather be than here with you. Definitely not behind more cameras."

She scrunched up her face in mock disgust, "Blegh."

Naruto chuckled, turning toward her and running his hand further up her thigh, feeling the soft material of her tights bundle underneath his fingers, "Same here, love. If I could, I'd stay here all night, just like this, close to you."

"One day, it will be like this for us," Hinata whispered softly, "But for now, let's keep this between us, okay?"

Naruto nodded, bending over to kiss her thigh.

"Yeah, just between us, Hina."

●・○・●・○・●

A.N.

I did it.

Finally, I've done it.

I've finished every single prompt I wanted to write for last year's NHMonth event—the 2023 NaruHina celebration. From beginning to end, it's all done. You have no idea how happy this makes me. It took nearly a year, but what matters is that I've brought everything to a close. Even the one-shots that turned into two- or three-part stories—or full-on fanfics—are complete. Every story I planned has a conclusion I'm proud of and truly enjoy.

I really hope you've enjoyed them too—every contribution I made to last year's event. That being said, I know there's another NaruHina month event coming up, but after how much work I poured into the last one (and how long it took), I won't be participating this time around. Instead, I'll be focusing on my own writing and personal projects. 

No more events for me, haha. 

Not anytime soon, anyway.

They're such a big commitment, and let me just be honest—I can never stick to just a few prompts. I always go all out, and right now, I don't have the bandwidth for that. I've got so many ideas and projects on hold that I've been itching to work on. Next year, it's all about catching up on my own fanfics and bringing them to completion.

That said, I'm still planning to write smutty oneshots for this collection. I've got so many ideas lined up, and I can't wait for you to see what I have in store. Seriously, my "idea" doc is packed with almost 300 oneshot ideas—my brain's been on overdrive this year while I was busy with the event! But next year, it's back to business as usual.

Here's what you can expect:

• Updates on The Unknown.

• Updates on Clash of Possession (Arc 2)

• Maybe updates on Heated (we'll see).

• More smutty one-shots for Kiss Me, Thrill Me.

• A brand-new fanfic! (But only after I finish The Unknown and Arc 2 of Clash of Possession—stay tuned!)

There's so much planned, so much to write, and so much to look forward to.

Once again, I hope you've enjoyed this wild, amazing ride! Don't forget to vote, comment, share, and all that good stuff. 😊

And of course, stay safe and take care!

This officially wraps up NHMonth 2023 for me! 🎉

See ya again with more smutty one-shots—as normal! 😚❤️

- Powerful_niya