Confession

The next morning, Kaina woke up early, stretching and rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She glanced at the clock on her bedside table. 5 AM.

She yawned, standing up and muttering to herself, "I should wake him up." She threw on her robe and opened her door, making her way toward Itachi's room. As she reached his door, she lifted her hand to knock, but before her knuckles could connect with the wood, the door swung open.

Her hand landed squarely on Itachi's chest instead, causing her to gasp in surprise. Her wide eyes met his, and she froze, realizing how close they were. Itachi's hair was down, cascading loosely over his shoulders, making him look even more striking. Kaina's face instantly flushed bright red, her heart hammering in her chest. She stammered, trying to form words, but her thoughts were scattered.

Itachi, noticing her flustered state, stepped back a little to give her space. "Are you okay? You look a bit... off," he said softly, his voice tinged with concern. "Are you feeling well?"

Kaina, still blushing furiously, stammered, "I-I'm fine. I just came to wake you up…" She trailed off, feeling more embarrassed by the second.

Itachi's lips curved into a gentle smile as he nodded. "I see. Thank you." His calm demeanor made her heart flutter even more, but she quickly composed herself, mentally scolding herself for getting so worked up.

They both got ready, the air between them feeling slightly more charged than usual. By the time it was around 8 AM, Kaina stood by the door, fully dressed, her blush finally fading. "Shall we?" she asked, her voice steady once more.

Itachi nodded, a calm look on his face, but as he stepped beside her, his heart skipped a beat. He couldn't shake the feeling from earlier when their eyes had locked. His heart was beating faster than normal, though he remained composed on the outside.

As they left the agency, Itachi and Kaina were lost in their thoughts, only to be interrupted by the flash of cameras. Itachi noticed a few people snapping pictures of them and frowned slightly.

"Why are people taking pictures of us?" Itachi asked, his voice low but curious.

Kaina glanced at the photographers and then at Itachi, giving him a small smile. "It's probably for promotional stuff. They might use our photos for posters or ads, you know, for the agency."

Itachi sighed, clearly unimpressed. "I don't like paparazzi."

Kaina giggled softly. "I've gotten used to it. You will too, eventually," she teased lightly.

Itachi exhaled in agreement. "I suppose so."

Deciding to ignore the onlookers, they carried on with their work. The day passed peacefully, with no major incidents or crimes in their area, allowing them to relax a bit toward the end of their shift.

As the sun began to set and their work was winding down, Kaina glanced at Itachi, her heart fluttering slightly. She blushed and hesitated before asking, "Would you like to grab some coffee... here?" She pointed to a nearby café, her tone hopeful but a little shy.

Itachi looked at her and smiled warmly. "Sure."

Kaina nodded, her blush deepening as they walked inside. They found a cozy table, and soon a waitress approached them. "Hello! What would you like to order?"

Itachi, without hesitation, replied, "Dark coffee."

The waitress nodded and turned to Kaina, who was nervously flipping through the menu. "U-uh, how about... a Frappuccino?" she stammered.

The waitress, sensing her nerves, smiled kindly and jotted it down. "Coming right up," she said before heading to the kitchen.

Kaina, now deep in thought, wondered if this could be considered a date. Her heart raced a little at the thought, and she snuck a glance at Itachi. He was looking at her with his usual calm expression, but his gaze seemed softer somehow.

Straightening her posture, she cleared her throat and asked, "This place is nice, right?"

Itachi nodded. "Yes. I've been here before... with my mother, during a quirk test."

Kaina smiled, feeling more at ease. "That's sweet."

Itachi returned her smile and asked, "What do you want me to cook tonight?"

Kaina's face lit up. "Whatever you want! I love your food. It tastes amazing." She smiled brightly at him, her earlier nerves fading.

Itachi chuckled softly. "I'm glad you like it. I don't cook often, but it's something I enjoy." He paused for a moment, thinking back to his past. "I used to make meals for my brother, Sasuke."

Kaina noticed the slight change in his tone, the hint of nostalgia in his voice. "You never made it at home?" she asked.

Itachi shook his head slightly. "Not exactly. But yes, yesterday was my first time cooking in this new place."

Kaina's eyes widened in awe. "Wow... well, it was perfect."

Itachi smiled again. "I'm happy you enjoyed it."

A little while later, their drinks arrived. As Kaina sipped her sweet Frappuccino, she noticed Itachi taking a sip of his dark coffee, seemingly unaffected by its bitterness.

"How can you drink that? It's so bitter!" she exclaimed, wrinkling her nose.

Itachi gave her a soft smile. "I like it. My mother used to drink this, and over time, I got used to the taste. Now, I enjoy it."

Kaina sighed and leaned back in her chair, still amazed. "I prefer sweet things."

Itachi chuckled, his eyes briefly meeting hers. "Good to know," he said, his smile gentle and understanding.

Kaina blushed again, feeling her heart skip a beat as the two sat together, the warm atmosphere making her feelings for Itachi deepen even more.

After they finished their drinks, Itachi and Kaina returned to the agency. As they entered, Kaina gave him a quick smile and said, "Itachi, you can freshen up first."

He nodded, grabbed his clothes, and made his way to the bathroom. Kaina sat in the room, waiting, her thoughts wandering as she peeked at the closed bathroom door. Realizing what she was doing, she shook her head and quickly straightened up, pulling out her phone to distract herself by scrolling through the news.

Moments later, the bathroom door opened, and Itachi emerged, fully dressed in a black shirt and black track pants. The sight of him made her blush furiously, and in her flustered state, she quickly stood up. "Y-you can cook if you want!" she stammered and ran off into the bathroom to hide her embarrassment.

Itachi chuckled softly at her reaction and made his way to the kitchen. Deciding to make something simple but delicious, he started gathering the ingredients for fried rice. First, he took some leftover rice from the fridge, cold and perfect for frying. Then, he pulled out eggs, green onions, carrots, and peas.

He cracked two eggs into a bowl, whisking them lightly before setting them aside. Next, he finely chopped the green onions, sliced the carrots into thin matchsticks, and measured out the peas.

Heating a large pan over medium-high heat, Itachi poured in a bit of vegetable oil, swirling it around. Once the oil shimmered, he added the whisked eggs, scrambling them quickly. When they were just cooked, he transferred them to a plate and set them aside.

In the same pan, he added a little more oil and threw in the green onions, carrots, and peas, sautéing them until the carrots softened and the peas brightened in color. As the vegetables cooked, their aroma filled the kitchen, drawing a small smile from Itachi.

With the veggies done, he added the cold rice to the pan, breaking it up with his spatula as he tossed everything together. The sound of the rice sizzling filled the air, and Itachi expertly stirred it, making sure each grain was coated with oil and evenly heated.

He then returned the scrambled eggs to the pan, mixing them into the rice before seasoning everything with a few splashes of soy sauce, a dash of sesame oil for extra flavor, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The rich, savory smell of the fried rice wafted through the kitchen as Itachi gave it one final stir.

Just as he was finishing up, Kaina emerged from the bathroom, her hair slightly damp, and her face still a little pink from earlier. She saw Itachi standing by the stove, plating the fried rice, and couldn't help but smile.

"It smells amazing," she said, her voice soft and genuine.

Itachi looked up at her, his calm smile returning. "It's ready. I hope you like it."

Kaina sat down at the table, her heartwarming as she watched Itachi bring over the plates of steaming fried rice. She took a bite and her eyes lit up. "This is perfect!" she exclaimed.

Itachi took his seat across from her and nodded, pleased. "I'm glad you think so."

As they enjoyed the meal together. After that they both went to there room and they sleep…..

Over the next 26 days of their internship, Kaina and Itachi developed a deep understanding and respect for one another. Their daily routines became more synchronized, and they often found themselves working side by side, not just as partners in hero work, but as friends whose feelings were evolving into something more.

Kaina's feelings for Itachi grew with each passing day. She admired his calm demeanor, his quiet strength, and the care he put into everything, even the smallest gestures. Every time Itachi made a meal for them, or every moment he would subtly protect her during their patrols, her heart would swell with affection. She often caught herself thinking about him long after their shifts ended, and it became increasingly difficult to hide her growing love for him.

On the other hand, Itachi also began to feel something more than camaraderie for Kaina. It started in the little moments. One day, after a long patrol, Kaina handed him a bottle of water, her smile bright and reassuring. He realized how much he looked forward to her presence, her laughter, and even her small nervous habits, like the way she'd blush or fidget whenever their hands accidentally brushed. Itachi found himself wanting to protect her, not just as a hero but as someone who cared deeply for her.

One particularly wholesome moment happened on the 15th day of their internship. After a peaceful patrol, the two decided to visit a nearby park. As they sat under a tree, watching children play and enjoying the soft breeze, Kaina made a joke about how peaceful the day was, and Itachi, known for his stoicism, actually laughed—a genuine, heartfelt sound. The warmth of that moment stayed with him, and for the first time, he acknowledged the possibility that he might be falling for her.

Another time, during a late-night patrol on the 22nd day, Kaina tripped while they were walking back to the agency. Without hesitation, Itachi caught her, his arms wrapping around her waist to steady her. For a moment, they stood there, close and silent, and Itachi couldn't deny the way his heart quickened in his chest. Kaina, flustered and blushing, pulled away, but the memory of how natural it felt lingered with him.

By the 26th day, their bond had deepened so much that it was clear, even without words, that they meant a great deal to each other. Kaina had fully accepted her love for Itachi, while Itachi himself was slowly realizing that Kaina had become someone precious to him.

On the 27th day of their internship, Itachi and Kaina were on patrol when Kaina's communicator buzzed with a distress call from a nearby hero. "We need help! Villain attack at [XX] road—hostages inside!" the voice called out urgently. Kaina immediately turned to Itachi, her expression serious. "Let's go," she said, and Itachi nodded in agreement as they both sprinted toward the location.

When they arrived at the scene, the street was filled with police cars, and officers were trying to negotiate with the villain through megaphones. The atmosphere was tense, and the air felt thick with uncertainty. Kaina approached one of the officers and asked for a briefing on the situation. "There are 30 hostages inside the bank," the officer explained, "and the villain is threatening to blow everything up. His quirk is suicide bombs."

Kaina's eyes widened in shock. "This is bad," she muttered under her breath. Itachi stepped forward, his voice calm but focused. "Can we go inside?"

The police officer hesitated, unsure who Itachi was, but Kaina quickly introduced him. "This is Aegis, my intern. He's a first-year at UA." The officer nodded in recognition. "Right, I've heard about you. But be careful—this is a volatile situation."

With no time to waste, Kaina and Itachi began moving toward the entrance of the bank when they heard a sharp voice from behind. "Hey, you two, stop!" They turned to see a tall man with spiked crimson hair, a fierce look in his turquoise eyes, and flames flickering around his beard and mustache. It was none other than Endeavor, the No.2 hero.

Itachi narrowed his eyes at the hero. "Endeavor," he said under his breath, watching as Endeavor strode past them without a second glance. Kaina, slightly taken aback, whispered, "I think he'll manage…" But Itachi was determined. "We need to go inside," he insisted.

Kaina glanced at him, feeling a strange shift in their dynamic. For a moment, it was as if she were his intern, not the other way around. She nodded, trusting his instincts. Together, they entered the bank, where the villain stood at the center of the room. His appearance was bizarre—his head resembled a cartoon bomb, with a fuse sticking out and an eerie, exaggerated expression on his face. The hostages sat huddled in fear, eyes wide with terror as the villain brandished his explosive quirk.

Before Kaina or Itachi could act, Endeavor charged forward, his voice booming. "Ignited Arrow!" With a powerful blast of fire, Endeavor unleashed a searing arrow of flames that struck the villain head-on. Both Itachi and Kaina's eyes widened in shock as the villain began to burn.

"Rescue the hostages, now!" Kaina shouted, and Itachi sprang into action with incredible speed. While Kaina managed to help two hostages to safety, Itachi had already moved ten people out of harm's way in the same amount of time. His agility and precision left Kaina both impressed and in awe of his abilities. He moved like a blur, his eyes sharp and focused on each civilian he pulled from the chaos.

As the last of the hostages were rescued, Itachi turned to look at the villain, who was still engulfed in flames. Endeavor stood over him with a smirk, his voice full of pride. "That's hellfire," he said, his confidence palpable.

Kaina, catching her breath, looked over at Itachi, who was staring at the scene in silence.

As the Suicide Bomber villain glowed ominously, signaling an imminent explosion, Itachi's eyes widened. Instinctively, he activated his Sharingan, his gaze locking onto the villain. "Bomber…," he muttered under his breath, immediately casting a powerful genjutsu. In an instant, the villain's eyes dulled, and he collapsed into a deep, controlled sleep. Kaina, realizing what had happened, placed a hand on Itachi's shoulder.

"You did great," she said softly, though her expression carried a hint of concern. "But I told you not to use your quirk."

Itachi, still calm, responded sharply, "You wanted him to blow up? We all could've been caught in a blast due to someone's stupidity." His tone was cold but steady, his eyes flickering with intensity.

Kaina blushed slightly, sensing the weight behind his words. "I know," she whispered. But before she could continue, a booming voice interrupted.

"What did you just say?" Endeavor, furious, stepped forward, glaring at Itachi. His flames flickered more violently as his temper flared.

Itachi didn't flinch. He stared Endeavor dead in the eyes, his Sharingan still visible. "I said, because of someone's stupidity, we could have all been caught in that blast."

Endeavor's anger boiled over, his flames roaring. Kaina, visibly nervous, quickly tried to diffuse the situation. "I'm sorry, Endeavor—"

But Itachi interrupted. "You don't have to apologize, Lady Nagant. You are a hero. Don't bow to someone arrogant." His words were a quiet but powerful declaration, and Kaina looked at him in awe, a mix of surprise and gratitude filling her.

Endeavor, however, wasn't going to let it go. His voice dripped with condescension. "People say you're a promising young hero. My agency even considered you for an internship. I wasn't convinced, but they insisted you had some skills. But seeing you here, you're just weak, alongside an irrelevant hero."

Kaina winced at Endeavor's words, visibly hurt. But before she could respond, Itachi stepped in front of her, placing a hand on her shoulder to shield her. His Sharingan gleamed as he glared at Endeavor. "I'd rather be weak than respect a hero who mistreats his own children," he said with quiet fury.

Endeavor's eyes widened in shock, as did Kaina's. The weight of Itachi's words hung heavily in the air, stinging the No. 2 hero. Endeavor, now glaring intensely at the young Yaoyorozu, clenched his fists. "Kid… you wanna fight?"

Itachi's expression remained neutral. "No, I don't. But you should apologize to the hostages. Your reckless use of fire could have caused more harm."

The words struck Endeavor hard, but his pride wouldn't allow him to back down. His anger reached its peak, and he swung a fiery fist toward Itachi. But just as Endeavor's hand came near, Itachi's hand moved with lightning speed, and for a brief second, it seemed as if Endeavor's hand had been sliced. Endeavor paused, shocked, looking at his palm, which was still intact. The message was clear: Itachi's speed and skill could have made it real.

"If you try that again," Itachi said calmly, "I won't hold back."

Endeavor, for the first time in a long while, felt a hint of fear. He stammered, his pride dented, before storming off. But just as he was about to leave, Itachi spoke again, his voice laced with subtle menace. "Say hi to Fuyumi, Endeavor."

The hero froze in his tracks for a second before continuing forward, disappearing from sight.

As Endeavor stormed off, Kaina let out a long sigh, her heart still racing from the intense confrontation. She turned to Itachi, her expression a mix of relief and frustration. "You... you really shouldn't have done that," she scolded softly, though her voice wavered. "Standing up to the No. 2 hero like that—it's dangerous."

Itachi remained calm, his gaze softening as he looked at her. "I didn't like seeing him disrespect you like that. No one should treat you that way, Kaina."

Kaina blushed, her heart skipping a beat at his words. She tried to stay composed, but her emotions were getting the better of her. "Still… thank you," she said shyly, her voice barely above a whisper. "For standing up for me."

Itachi smiled gently, stepping a little closer. "You don't need to thank me. I'll always stand by your side. You're worth more than what people like Endeavor think."

Kaina's face flushed an even deeper shade of red, her mind racing at his words. She felt warmth bloom in her chest as she looked at him, suddenly feeling incredibly vulnerable but also grateful. "I... I don't know what to say," she stammered, her blush deepening.

Itachi felt a warmth in his chest as he noticed a slight blush creeping onto his cheeks. He quickly composed himself, not wanting to show too much emotion. "Let's go," he said quietly, his voice softer than usual. Kaina nodded, still flustered from the whole ordeal, her cheeks bright red. Together, they walked back to the agency, their steps in sync, but their hearts racing for different reasons.

Back in her room, Kaina lay in bed, her mind buzzing with thoughts of the day's events. The way Itachi had stood up for her so fiercely, the intensity of his gaze when he faced Endeavor—it all made her feelings even more confusing. She tossed and turned, trying to push away her thoughts, but every time she closed her eyes, she saw Itachi's face.

"I have to tell him... eventually," Kaina whispered to herself. She hugged her pillow, burying her face in it. "But not now... at the end of the internship, like I decided," she reassured herself, forcing the idea from her mind for the time being. She exhaled, trying to calm her racing heart.

Despite her efforts to calm herself, her thoughts kept drifting back to Itachi—his calm demeanor, his quiet strength, and the way he had stood up for her. She couldn't help but smile, imagining a future where she might gather the courage to tell him how she truly felt. With that thought lingering in her mind, Kaina finally drifted off into a peaceful sleep, dreaming of Itachi and what could be.

Itachi stood in his room, packing his bag and gazing around with a soft smile on his face. "It was a fun month…" he thought, feeling a sense of satisfaction from the time spent on the internship. Closing his bag, he opened the door and stepped into the hallway.

As he approached the main door, he spotted Kaina standing there, her hands hanging by her sides and a serious expression on her face. A soft blush colored her cheeks, but her eyes held a weight that made Itachi pause. He smiled gently and walked up to her.

"It was fun spending time with you, Kaina," he said warmly.

She looked up at him, her face softening as she nodded. "I also had fun," she replied, her voice quiet but sincere.

A moment of silence fell between them. Itachi glanced at the door and then back at her. "So… I guess I'll leave now," he said, turning to go.

But before he could take another step, Kaina reached out and grabbed his hand. "Wait…" she said, her voice trembling slightly.

Itachi stopped in his tracks, turning back to face her. "Yes?" he asked, his dark eyes locking onto hers, a hint of curiosity and concern in his gaze.

Kaina swallowed hard, gathering every bit of courage she had. Her heart pounded in her chest, her thoughts racing, but she knew it was now or never. She couldn't hold it in any longer.

"I-Itachi," she began, her voice shaking, "I... I need to tell you something." She took a deep breath, her grip on his hand tightening. "This past month… spending time with you, getting to know you… it's made me realize something."

Her blush deepened, but she pushed through, her eyes meeting his with determination. "I… I've fallen in love with you."

Itachi's eyes widened slightly, though his expression remained calm, listening intently to her every word.

"I know it might seem sudden, and maybe you don't feel the same way," she continued, her voice trembling with vulnerability. "But I can't keep this inside anymore. You're not just someone who's strong or skilled, Itachi. You're kind, thoughtful… and you've made me feel safe in a way I haven't felt in a long time."

Her voice wavered as she spoke, but she pressed on. "Even if you don't feel the same, I had to tell you. I… I had to be honest, because I'd regret it if I never said it."

She looked down, her cheeks burning with embarrassment, unsure of what would happen next. "Even if you don't love me, even if you don't feel the same way… I'll still care about you. I'll still be grateful for the time we spent together."

The silence that followed felt like an eternity. Kaina's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. She finally looked up, her eyes searching his face for any sign of a response, unsure of what he would say or do next.

Itachi stood quietly for a moment, his dark eyes searching Kaina's face as he processed her confession. His expression softened as he realized the depth of her feelings. He took a step closer, his hand still in hers, and let out a gentle sigh before speaking.

"Kaina," he began, his voice low but filled with a certain calmness, "you've always been strong, not just physically but emotionally. To stand here and tell me something so personal… it takes a kind of courage I deeply respect."

He paused, gathering his thoughts, wanting to choose his words carefully. "During this past month, I've seen more of who you are beyond just being a hero. You've shown me a side of yourself that's caring, thoughtful… someone who isn't afraid to face the truth, even when it's difficult. That's something I admire."

He glanced down for a moment, recalling their time together, the quiet moments they shared, the times she made him laugh without even realizing it. He continued, his tone more thoughtful now, "You've always had this way of making me feel at ease, even when I didn't realize I needed it. You're not just a colleague or an ally to me, Kaina… you've become someone I trust, someone I feel connected to."

He paused, his voice softening. "I'm not the kind of person who opens up easily. But with you… I felt safe. I felt like I could be myself without having to hide anything. And somewhere along the way, I started feeling something I hadn't felt in a long time."

Itachi gently squeezed her hand, his own heart beating a little faster now as he spoke. "I'm not sure what the future holds. My path has always been uncertain. But… I've come to care about you, Kaina. More than I thought I would."

Kaina's breath caught as he continued, her eyes wide as she listened, her heart pounding in her chest.

"You've been patient with me, shown me kindness when I didn't even ask for it, and you stood by me without judgment. Those things matter to me," he admitted quietly. "You matter to me."

He stepped closer, his face soft but sincere. "I may not have all the answers right now… but I want you to know that your feelings aren't one-sided. I… care about you too, Kaina."

For a moment, there was only silence, the air between them charged with unspoken emotions. Itachi's eyes softened as he spoke one last time.

"You've become someone important to me. Someone I don't want to lose. So, thank you—for being honest, for being brave, and for showing me that it's okay to care for someone again."

Kaina's eyes welled with tears, but they weren't tears of sadness. Her face was a mix of surprise and overwhelming happiness, her heart lighter than it had been in a long time. She couldn't speak for a moment, her voice caught in her throat as she processed Itachi's words.

As Kaina's emotions overflowed, tears streaming down her face, she couldn't hold back any longer. She stepped forward and hugged Itachi tightly, burying her face against his chest. Itachi, slightly taken aback at first, gently wrapped his arms around her in return, feeling the warmth and sincerity of the moment.

Kaina pulled back slightly, her heart racing as she looked into his eyes. Her breath hitched as she felt a sudden urge to kiss him, a feeling she had been holding back for so long. Building up her courage, she slowly leaned in, her face inching closer to his. Itachi, sensing her intention, closed his eyes, his heart strangely calm, ready to meet her halfway.

Their lips were just about to touch when—

"Kaina! Itachi! I'm here!"

The loud, teasing voice of Yana, Itachi's mother, interrupted the moment, causing both Kaina and Itachi to freeze. Kaina pulled back, her face flushed with embarrassment, as they both turned to see Yana standing at the door, a playful smile on her face.

"Oh my!" Yana exclaimed, pretending to cover her eyes but clearly peeking through her fingers. "I didn't mean to interrupt such a tender moment!"

Kaina, still blushing furiously, stepped back, her hands fumbling as she wiped the tears from her face. "I-It's not… we were just—" she stammered, completely flustered.

Itachi let out a small sigh but couldn't hide the slight smile tugging at his lips. "Mother…" he said in a calm, almost resigned tone.

Yana walked over to them, her grin widening. "I came to pick you up, but I didn't expect to see this!" She winked at Kaina, who was still trying to compose herself. "Itachi, I see your internship was more eventful than you let on," she teased.

Kaina, now beet red, looked down at her feet, feeling like she wanted to disappear. But Itachi, with his usual calm demeanor, gently placed a hand on Kaina's shoulder and turned to his mother. "It was… an important experience," he said, his voice soft yet full of meaning.

Yana laughed lightly. "Well, I'll give you two some privacy before I tease you too much. But Kaina," she added with a mischievous glint in her eye, "I approve."

Kaina couldn't help but smile, her nerves slightly calming down as Yana's warm energy lightened the mood. She looked at Itachi, who gave her a small nod, as if silently reassuring her that everything was fine.

Yana waved her hand playfully. "I'll be outside. Take your time saying goodbye… or whatever else you two were doing." With a wink, she turned and left them alone again, though not without a final chuckle.

As the door closed behind Yana, the room was filled with a momentary silence. Kaina let out a small laugh, still flushed but feeling a sense of relief. "Your mother… is something else."

Itachi gave her a gentle smile, his earlier tension replaced by a sense of peace. "She's always been like that."

Kaina looked up at him, her heart still beating fast, and softly said, "I'm glad she approves."

Itachi, gazing at her with the same calm warmth, replied, "So am I."

Kaina, her cheeks flushed and heart pounding, looked at Itachi, her emotions still swirling from their almost kiss. "Ahh…" she stammered, her blush deepening.

Itachi, with a soft smile, raised his hand and gently tapped her forehead. "Sorry, Kaina… some other time," he said, his voice warm and calm.

Kaina blinked, feeling the warmth of his gesture linger on her forehead. She touched the spot where he had tapped, her smile growing wide, her heart swelling. "Okay… I'll wait for you," she said, her voice soft but full of affection.

Itachi nodded, his own smile gentle as he said, "Take care, Kaina."

She gave him one last smile, her eyes shining. "Bye, Itachi."

With that, Itachi turned and walked towards the car waiting for him. As he opened the door, he glanced back at Kaina one more time, watching her wave before she disappeared from sight. He entered the car, where Yana sat in the passenger's seat, a mischievous look on her face.

"Did you finish whatever you were doing?" she teased, her voice dripping with playful curiosity.

Itachi, his usual composed self, simply smiled and replied, "Yeah… I did."

As their driver drove, Yana's teasing continued, her smile playful as she glanced over at Itachi. "I knew from the start there was something brewing between you two," she said, her voice filled with a mixture of pride and amusement.

Itachi, sitting calmly in the passenger seat, couldn't help but smile, his eyes soft with affection. "Yeah…" he admitted, his tone light.

Yana grinned wider, clearly pleased. "I'm so happy for you, Itachi. You've finally found someone." She paused, her teasing voice giving way to something more sincere. "And there's something I want to say, and I know you'll take it to heart."

Itachi looked at her curiously, sensing the shift in her tone.

"She's a nice girl, Itachi," Yana said gently. "You have to take care of her. I can tell she means a lot to you."

Itachi's expression softened as he looked at his mother, nodding. "I know, Mother," he said quietly. "I'll make sure of it." But deep down, he couldn't help but think of his past mistakes, of the promises he once made but couldn't keep. This time, he thought, I won't make the same mistakes.

Yana, noticing the hint of reflection in his eyes, decided to lighten the mood again. With a grin, she nudged him playfully. "And don't think I didn't notice what almost happened back there. You two were about to kiss, weren't you?"

Itachi, though usually composed, felt a bit flustered. He chuckled softly, glancing out the window to hide his face. "Maybe…" he muttered.

"Oh, come on, don't be shy now!" Yana laughed, her teasing now full of warmth. "You'll get your moment soon enough, don't worry."

Despite himself, Itachi couldn't stop smiling. His mother's teasing, while playful, filled him with a sense of comfort and belonging. It was these small moments of family that reminded him of the love he still had in his life, even with the ghosts of his past lingering.

Feeling the warmth from his mother's teasing, Itachi leaned back in his seat, grateful. The drive continued, filled with lighthearted banter, but in Itachi's heart, he felt a quiet promise—one that he'd keep for Kaina, and for himself.