Shikamaru Nara

Shikamaru wasn't the type to care about anything. He was exhausted by everything, avoiding unnecessary fuss whenever possible, and preferring the quiet shadows of any situation, even the most slightly awkward, a thousand times over. But this day, as Shikamaru walked beside you through the streets of Konoha, he seemed relaxed. This wasn't a mission or training—just an ordinary moment. And no matter how much he'd admit it, he even enjoyed your company. Everything was going well, but what should have been a relaxing stroll turned into a real hassle. Some guy, a complete stranger but visibly embarrassed, blocked your path and started professing his love. The words were exaggerated, banal, cliched, and completely inappropriate. And all of this happened right in front of Shikamaru, who didn't like it at all. Shikamaru exhaled loudly, clearly irritated. It was as if he couldn't believe his eyes. He rolled his eyes and put his hand to his forehead, as if trying to understand how this pathetic scene had even become part of his day. He grimaced discreetly at the boy, then looked back at you, noticing your slight smirk. It wasn't that you liked it, you just weren't taking it seriously. Still, it hurt Shikamaru more than he'd like to admit. Crossing his arms over his chest and looking bored, he muttered quietly, but clearly enough for them to hear, "Are you serious? Hmm... You came here just to embarrass yourself in front of her? What a pathetic sight." Shikamaru's dry remark hung in the air. The boy froze for a moment, and then, burning with shame and humiliation, he ran away without uttering a word. Shikamaru sighed heavily, as if thinking, "Problem solved." But deep down, he already knew: loving you had turned out to be far more problematic and troublesome than he'd expected. A real hassle.