Chapter 143: Should Have Just Gone For It
The first rays of morning sunlight had barely filtered through the windows when Sasuko awoke.
She deliberately chose an elegant white home kimono, a delicate butterfly knot tied at her waist that perfectly accentuated her graceful figure.
Her ink-black hair was skillfully pinned up, revealing the elegant lines of her pale neck, with a few disobedient strands falling beside her ears, adding several touches of softness.
Entering the kitchen, she tied on an apron and began preparing breakfast. Her fingertips gently stirred the clear water while rinsing rice, the blade rhythmically striking the cutting board as she chopped vegetables.
These familiar motions brought her comfort—as though returning to those previous days when she'd prepared meals for Yu daily.
When breakfast's fragrance began permeating the house, Sasuko untied her apron. A golden flash later, she appeared in Yu's bedroom.
In the hazy morning light, Yu slept peacefully on the bed, his breathing steady and prolonged.
Sasuko unconsciously lightened her own breathing.
She sat gently at the bedside, gazing at Yu's face in a daze.
As a child, she'd often stared at Yu's face this way, not yet understanding what that vague affection truly meant. After growing up and comprehending it, she could no longer observe him so unrestrained as in childhood.
Her gaze fell unconsciously on Yu's thin lips.
A bold notion suddenly surfaced—since Yu slept so deeply, secretly stealing a taste of sweetness wouldn't be discovered, right?
Her heartbeat involuntarily accelerated. She slowly leaned down, gradually approaching that completely defenseless sleeping face.
The distance gradually shortened until she could feel his warm breath lightly brushing across her cheeks.
Just as their lips were about to touch—
"Sasuko."
Yu had opened his eyes at some unknown moment, calmly observing her.
Those black eyes remained clear as always, showing not the slightest trace of drowsiness.
Sasuko jerked upright, her cheeks instantly flushing crimson.
"I—I came to call you for breakfast..." She frantically searched for excuses, fingers unconsciously twisting her hem.
Yu sat up, his gaze lingering briefly on her reddened ear tips before finally releasing only a light sigh.
"Let's go."
Yu rose and walked toward the bathroom, leaving Sasuko standing alone in place, her heart pounding like drums.
Watching his departing figure, Sasuko suddenly felt a trace of regret.
Why hadn't she just kissed him?
She'd been discovered anyway—it's not like Yu would actually do anything to her.
As for that agreement... she'd already thought it through now.
Yu hadn't done anything wrong. Perhaps even he hadn't figured things out, but her feelings wouldn't change. Since he cared about that boundary, she'd try not to cross it.
But aside from that, everything else could continue as before.
She believed that as long as she kept accompanying Yu, eventually she could wait for him to open his heart and pull him from the past.
When Yu emerged from the bathroom, Sasuko had already set out dishes and knelt beside the low table.
The table held carefully prepared breakfast: crystalline white porridge steaming gently, several exquisite side dishes with enticing colors, plus soft pastries emanating faint sweet fragrance.
Seeing Yu approach, Sasuko's eyes lit up. She gently ladled porridge, blowing away the heat before offering it.
When Yu accepted the bowl, he seemed about to say something, but she spoke first, her eyes curving cheerfully. "I just wanted to make breakfast for my only family member. This shouldn't count as breaking our agreement, right?"
Yu said no more.
Sasuko understood clearly in her heart.
Yu thought he understood her well, not realizing that over these years, she'd already thoroughly grasped every one of his preferences and boundaries. She knew exactly what to do so he couldn't find fault.
Breakfast proceeded quietly. Sasuko no longer stared directly at Yu as before, only stealing glances during intervals of serving food, occasionally naturally adding side dishes for him.
After breakfast, Yu lightly raised his hand as dishes and chopsticks floated automatically toward the kitchen.
Sasuko savored with interest his earlier hesitant expression, unable to suppress a light laugh.
Morning sunlight filled the courtyard as Yu habitually sat in his usual spot reading. Sasuko also moved a chair beside him, holding a romance novel in her hands.
Yu looked up at her. "No mission today?"
Sasuko tilted her head thoughtfully. "Nope."
"Not going out with friends?"
"Don't want to."
Yu said nothing more, merely showing an expression that conveyed "what did you promise me before?"
Sasuko immediately displayed a wronged expression, her voice carrying hints of acting spoiled. "What's wrong? Can't your little sister stay home and read with you for a bit, dear brother?"
Sasuko deliberately emphasized the address "dear brother," leaving Yu unable to find any fault.
After all, she truly was only sitting quietly beside him reading, with neither boundary-crossing behavior nor disturbing his peace—completely presenting a harmonious family scene.
Yu said no more.
This interaction pattern was indeed irreproachable—if only Sasuko's occasionally intense gazes could restrain themselves somewhat more.
Another reason he maintained silence was that he'd originally planned to continue previous research.
But with Sasuko present, those forbidden experiments involving life and death's boundary were truly inconvenient to conduct.
---
The tranquil moment was broken by urgent knocking.
"Yu, Sasuko, are you home?" Naruko's clear, lively voice came from outside.
Yu's expression shifted slightly. Finally, someone had arrived.
He actively rose to open the door while Sasuko frowned with displeasure—this little blonde really was persistently shameless.
Naruko's cheeks immediately flushed upon seeing Yu open the door. "Yu, good morning."
"Good morning." Yu smiled gently at her. "Did you come to see Sasuko?"
Under his warm gaze, Naruko could only nod dumbly.
Yu's smile deepened as he stepped aside to clear the doorway, turning to call, "Sasuko, Naruko's here for you."
Sasuko responded reluctantly. "Oh."
Hearing Sasuko's voice, Naruko finally remembered her actual purpose. "I came to tell Sasuko some good news—she's been promoted to chunin!"
Yu smiled as he stepped aside. "Come in and talk."
Naruko bounced into the courtyard, eagerly grasping Sasuko's hand. "It's true! Lady Tsunade just signed the promotion order, saying your mission performance was outstanding and you're promoted directly to chunin!"
This news made Sasuko's expression shift slightly—the promotion speed truly exceeded expectations.
But seeing Naruko's occasional furtive glances at Yu, irritation rose in her heart. "Such a small matter shouldn't require special notification, should it?"
Naruko mentally rolled her eyes.
Yesterday when mentioning promotion, Sasuko had been so happy, yet today she was already changing faces.
But she quickly adjusted her emotions, restoring her smile. "To celebrate Sasuko's promotion to chunin, as her jonin instructor, I want to treat you both to a nice meal." Speaking, her gaze drifted unconsciously toward Yu again.
Watching Naruko claim to celebrate her promotion while keeping her eyes glued to Yu, Sasuko couldn't help reaching out to pinch her cheek. "Little blonde, you..."
"Don't be so rude." Yu gently pressed down Sasuko's hand, showing Naruko an apologetic expression. "Sorry, I have some matters today and probably can't accompany you. Next time." Speaking, he withdrew a stack of bills from the void, naturally placing them in Sasuko's pocket.
Naruko's eyes dimmed but quickly restored their smile. "That's fine."
Just then, Sasuko suddenly spoke. "Yu, come with us. You said yesterday that you'd grant me one thing when I became chunin."
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