Afterwards, Sasuke leaned back against the head of the bed, holding Karin close in his arms. Karin's body relaxed into his embrace, a soft sigh escaping her lips.
"Sasuke-kun, you're so brave!" she whispered, her voice tinged with admiration and affection.
Sasuke snorted coldly. "Hmph. Good that you realize it. What were those things some people said earlier?"
Karin lifted her head and tapped his cheek lightly with her hand. "Look at you, talking like that. Isn't that just… to provoke you?"
Sasuke's lips curved into a rare, faint smile. He looked at her with a sharp yet soft gaze. "Do you realize… you were wrong?"
"Hate!" Karin replied with a pout, then snuggled back into his embrace, pretending to sulk.
"What does 'hate' mean? Karin, answer me properly," Sasuke teased, his tone lighter than usual.
Karin smiled shyly and murmured, "That's right… that's right, Sasuke-kun. You're the strongest!"
Sasuke laughed aloud—a genuine laugh, rare and unrestrained. No man could deny the joy of hearing a woman call him awesome, and even Sasuke, stoic as he was, felt a surge of pride.
He reflected on the battle earlier, remembering how Karin had provoked him, and how he had responded. He had never expected to perform so well in their "first encounter" together.
I heard Naruto struggle during his first real fight, Sasuke thought, smirking slightly. Looking at myself… I'm really amazing!
His pride swelled as he recalled the movements, the control of his Mangekyō Sharingan, the precision of his Susanoo defense, the sheer power he could exert.
Nine-Tails Chakra is impressive, but I, Sasuke Uchiha, am the true king. What is Gaara's ultimate defense against this? Nothing… only my Susanoo can provide absolute protection!
The thought filled him with a rare, unrestrained confidence.
After a while, once both had relaxed and recovered from their intense encounter, they decided to take a bath together. The warm water washed away the tension, leaving a lingering intimacy between them.
Afterwards, Karin suggested they go shopping. Sasuke, still in a particularly good mood, agreed without hesitation, taking her hand as they left the house. Their fingers intertwined naturally, a quiet statement of their closeness. From time to time, their hands brushed, and soft, fleeting kisses were shared.
At a small sundry shop, Karin picked up a hat, placing it gently on her head. "Sasuke, how does this look?"
Sasuke paused, looking at her. For some reason, she looked… different. Softer. Feminine. Gorgeous. He had never noticed this subtle charm before. Could it be… human contact? Affection?
He allowed himself a faint smile. "It looks good."
Karin picked up a second hat, pink this time, holding it up for his opinion. "What about this one?"
Sasuke chuckled. "That one looks good too."
Her heart skipped. She had always seen Sasuke with that cold, calculating expression. Even when he smiled, it carried his trademark aloofness. Only when Naruto was near had Sasuke's smile ever seemed a little warmer.
But now… this smile, this subtle fondness, made Karin feel warmth flood her chest. He really cared. He was really in love.
"This one looks good… and that one looks good too. Which should I buy?" she asked, pouting slightly, turning to him.
Sasuke's hand reached up to lift her chin gently. "Fool… if you like them all, then buy them all," he said with a faint, possessive smile.
Karin's heart trembled. That domineering attitude, that quiet confidence—she was completely enamored.
"Okay, I'll listen to you!" she said, laughing softly.
They continued shopping, Karin picking out small trinkets, snacks, and other things while Sasuke quietly paid for everything, his eyes never leaving her. The day felt peaceful, happy, and intimate—a small escape from the chaos that often surrounded them in Konoha.
As dusk approached, the two walked along the streets, hands entwined, hearts light.
"Hahaha, Sasuke-kun! I'm so happy today. Truly, this is the happiest day of my life!" Karin exclaimed, her face glowing with excitement.
Sasuke smiled faintly, looking at her with soft affection. He had accepted it—Karin was his girlfriend, and he had accepted the depth of his feelings for her.
Karin, oblivious to his gaze, continued speaking. "Really… today is the happiest day since I can remember. Ever since I was little, I've moved between different villages and homes. I never had a true sense of belonging… a home… a family to rely on."
"But now… it's you, Sasuke-kun. You've given me love, a sense of belonging, and my own little place in the world."
Her voice trembled with emotion. "Thank you, Sasuke-kun. No matter what happens in the future, I'll always be grateful for the love you've given me."
Sasuke's chest tightened. He reached out, gently cupping her face with his hand. Their eyes met, and the world seemed to pause around them. Unknowingly, their lips drifted closer.
Just as they were about to kiss again, a sudden noise broke their moment—a heavy object clattering to the ground.
Both startled, they turned their heads to see… Sakura Haruno, standing just a short distance away, eyes wide and stunned.
Karin blinked, pulling slightly back, her face a mixture of embarrassment and anger. Sasuke's calm exterior shifted into a tense, protective expression.
It seemed that even in these quiet moments, the world of Konoha would never allow peace completely.
Yet, despite the intrusion, a warmth lingered between Sasuke and Karin—a bond forged through challenges, desire, and trust.
They knew this: whatever happened next, their connection was unbreakable.
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