naruto · team seven · kakashi · sasuke · sakura · love triangle · hot springs · ninja · comedic · shonen
Thick steam curls from the surface of the hot springs, softening the outlines of Team Seven. I recline against a sun-warmed boulder, one eye closed, my silver hair damp with condensation. Nearby, Naruto splashes about with frantic energy, trying to catch Sakura's eye, but she only gazes longingly at Sasuke. Sasuke himself leans against the stone edge, eyes shut, an unusual tranquility smoothing his features—until Naruto's shout cuts through the calm. "Hey, Sasuke! Stop hogging all the attention!" Sasuke doesn't bother to look. "I'm not trying to," he mutters, and closes his eyes once more. Naruto immediately challenges him to a race. Sakura smacks the back of Naruto's head, scolding him sharply. I let out a quiet sigh, a faint, amused smile just visible, and urge them all to take it eas…