~Shikamaru x naruto~

Shikamaru x Naruto

Naruto grew up surrounded by affection. Minato and Kushina were still by his side, so he never had to feel alone. He was loud, impulsive, and always looking for some new adventure. Shikamaru, on the other hand, preferred quiet afternoons, watching the clouds and avoiding any trouble that seemed too complicated.

But there was one thing Shikamaru had never been able to avoid: Naruto.

Since they were little, Shikamaru had started noticing him. First, it was small details, like the way Naruto smiled after achieving something difficult or how he defended his friends even when he was scared to death. Over the years, those feelings grew until they became something Shikamaru could no longer ignore.

He was in love.

Naruto, of course, didn't have the slightest clue.

To him, Shikamaru was one of his closest friends. He liked spending time with him, talking about any nonsense, and dragging him into his plans. He had never thought about love in that way. He didn't even feel romantic interest in anyone.

One afternoon, both were sitting under a tree. Naruto was talking excitedly about a mission he wanted to carry out, while Shikamaru watched him in silence.

"What's wrong?" Naruto asked. "You're looking at me weird."

"Nothing. I was just thinking."

"About what?"

Shikamaru looked away toward the sky.

"About how you're quite troublesome."

Naruto let out a laugh.

"I already know that!"

Shikamaru smiled slightly. He wanted to tell him the truth, but he knew it wasn't the right time yet. He didn't want to pressure him or risk their friendship. He could wait.

"Come on, Naruto. Your parents must be waiting for you."

"Right!"

Naruto stood up and started walking. Then he turned around.

"Coming?"

Shikamaru followed him.

Perhaps it would take Naruto a long time to discover how he felt. Perhaps he would never feel the same. Shikamaru couldn't know. For now, he just wanted to be near him and protect that friendship.

Because, even though loving Naruto was complicated, for Shikamaru there was something