Chapter 8

The next day, Souta arrived at the teahouse earlier than usual. He made sure everything was in order—the tables were spotless, the tea was properly stocked, and most importantly, he had just the right amount of Uomo Intense applied. Not too strong, just subtle enough that someone close to him would notice.

And now, he waited.

The evening rush was normal, nothing out of the ordinary. Customers came and went, some of the usual patrons sparing him a smile or lingering longer than necessary. But he wasn't focused on them. He was waiting for one particular arrival.

Then, as the sun dipped lower, the door opened, and in walked Kushina.

But she wasn't alone.

Mikoto Uchiha followed behind her, carrying herself with the same quiet grace she had at the market. She scanned the shop briefly before her gaze landed on him. There was a flicker of recognition in her expression, but she didn't immediately approach.

Kushina, on the other hand, made a beeline for her usual seat. "Oi, Souta! You're working today, right?"

Souta smirked, grabbing a teapot. "For you? Always."

Kushina rolled her eyes but grinned. "Don't make it weird." She turned to Mikoto. "See? Told you this place was good."

Mikoto gave a small nod, settling into the seat across from Kushina. "It's cozy," she admitted, her gaze briefly shifting back to Souta.

Souta took that as his cue to approach. "Welcome, Mikoto. Glad you decided to stop by."

She tilted her head slightly, studying him. "Well, you were rather insistent."

He chuckled. "Just persistent."

Mikoto hummed, her expression unreadable. But when he stepped closer to pour her tea, she hesitated ever so slightly—just long enough for him to catch it.

The scent had reached her.

Her eyes flickered to his wrist where he had tested the cologne the day before, and though she said nothing, Souta caught the slightest shift in her demeanor.

Interesting.

Kushina, completely oblivious, stretched her arms. "Ah, man, I needed this." She exhaled, rubbing her temple. "Feels like I live alone all the time."

Souta poured her tea smoothly. "That sounds frustrating."

Kushina scoffed. "That's one way to put it. It's like—what's the point of having someone if they're never really there?" She picked up her cup, staring into it before shaking her head. "Sorry. Don't mean to dump that on you."

Souta leaned slightly on the table. "You don't have to apologize. That kind of thing… it wears on a person."

Mikoto glanced at Kushina with a quiet look of understanding but said nothing. She simply sipped her tea.

Kushina sighed. "Yeah, well. Guess that's just how it is, huh?"

Souta watched her carefully. There was more she wasn't saying, but he didn't push.

Mikoto, placing her cup down, finally spoke. "You seem… very comfortable around Kushina."

Souta met her gaze evenly. "Should I not be?"

She shook her head slightly. "No, it's just… rare. Most people are careful around her."

Kushina waved dismissively. "Bah, Souta's fine. He actually listens."

Mikoto's gaze lingered on him for a moment longer before she turned back to her tea. "I see."

Souta could tell she was still assessing him, still trying to figure out what to make of him. But that was fine.

Because now, she was interested.

And that was all he needed.

Souta took a seat across from them, setting the teapot down as he leaned back slightly. "So, what brings you both here today? Just the usual tea break, or am I lucky enough to be part of some secret outing?"

Kushina snorted, stirring her tea lazily. "Hah, as if. I just wanted to drag Mikoto out for a bit. She spends too much time cooped up."

Mikoto raised an eyebrow at her friend but said nothing, simply taking another sip.

Kushina suddenly sniffed the air, her nose scrunching slightly. "Hey… what's that smell?"

Souta blinked. "Smell?"

She leaned forward, narrowing her eyes at him. "Yeah, it's coming from you. It's… huh." She took another deep inhale. "What is this? It smells good..." she muttered.

Mikoto glanced at Kushina, then at Souta, her gaze lingering a moment longer than necessary. Souta caught the briefest flicker of intrigue in her eyes before she looked away, bringing her cup to her lips.

Kushina smirked. "Alright, spill it. You don't just wake up smelling like that. What is it?"

Souta leaned back slightly, feigning innocence. "Just a little something I picked up. Thought I'd try something new."

Kushina squinted at him. "Uh-huh. And who exactly are you trying to impress?"

Souta smirked, leaning forward slightly. "Obviously, my loyal everyday customer."

Kushina blinked, processing his words before realization dawned on her. A faint, almost unnoticeable flush touched her cheeks as she scoffed, waving a hand dismissively. "Tch, you're ridiculous."

Mikoto, however, watched the exchange with quiet amusement, her gaze flickering between the two of them.

Mikoto, still quiet, set her cup down, her fingers lightly tracing the rim. "It's subtle," she mused. "Not overpowering, but noticeable when you're close."

Souta smirked. "That's the point."

Kushina crossed her arms. "You're up to something."

He chuckled. "Me? Never."

Mikoto finally met his gaze, a small, knowing smile playing on her lips. "Careful, Souta. If you smell too good, you might end up attracting more attention than you can handle."

Souta tilted his head slightly, meeting her gaze. "Would that be such a bad thing?"

Kushina groaned, shaking her head. "Ugh,"

The time passed just like that—hours slipping away before they realized it.

Though Kushina showed no signs of leaving, Mikoto eventually stood, glancing at the darkening sky. "I think I'll have to go, Kushina, otherwise I'll be late."

Kushina pouted slightly but waved her off. "Fine, fine. But next time, you're staying longer."

Mikoto turned to Souta, pausing for a moment. "The tea was good. Maybe you can teach me how to make it properly sometime."

Souta grinned. "I'd be happy to."

Mikoto gave a small nod before heading for the door, her expression unreadable as she left.

Kushina leaned back, watching her go before turning to Souta with a smirk. "Looks like you made an impression."

She huffed, crossing her arms. "Hmph... And you never offered to teach me how to make tea?"

Souta grinned, leaning slightly on the table. "Oh? You never asked."

Kushina scoffed. "Tch, maybe I should. I wouldn't mind making some good tea for myself instead of always coming here."

He smirked. "Well, if you're serious, I'd be happy to teach you. But be warned—perfecting tea is an art."

Kushina rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. How hard can it be?"

Souta chuckled. "Guess we'll find out."

Kushina leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. "No, seriously. Teach me now. I've got time."

Souta raised an eyebrow. "Now? You're that eager?"

She smirked. "What, you think I can't learn?"

He chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, alright. Since you're so determined, let's start." He stood up, gesturing for her to follow. "Come on, I'll show you how it's done."

Kushina eagerly got up, stepping around to the other side of the counter. She tied her hair back lazily, rolling her sleeves up. "Alright, tea master, impress me."

Souta smirked. "Watch closely then.""