Bab 14: Race of Love
Shout Out to my second and third Patrons!!!! Viswas and Abdullah! We are starting strong! Thank you very much for your support! We are now at 35 dollars, and missing 15 dollars for the first checkpoint and an extra chapter!!!!
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Hello everyone, I would like first announce that I published my Patreon Page, and you can read up to 20 drafts. There is also checkpoint system. For every checkpoint in my patréon I will publish another extra chapter monthly. 1 extra chapter for 50 Dollars, another for 100, 2 for 200... Thanks again, and peace! The advance chapter system is still active. You can read upto 20 advance chapter in my patréon page.
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A few months had passed since our first date, and Ino and I were now officially a couple. Though we were still young, our relationship had blossomed in a way that was equal parts playful and affectionate.
One sunny afternoon, we found ourselves walking side by side through the bustling streets of Konoha, our fingers brushing together as we strolled. Ino was wearing a mischievous grin, and I knew she was itching for some banter.
"So, Koushin," she began, her voice dripping with faux seriousness, "I've been thinking. You know how we're always competing with each other?"
I raised an eyebrow, feigning confusion. "Us? Compete? I have no idea what you're talking about."
Ino rolled her eyes, not missing a beat. "Right, sure. Anyway, I've come up with the ultimate challenge to finally determine which one of us is truly the superior ninja."
I couldn't help but laugh, my curiosity piqued. "Oh, really? And what, pray tell, is this ultimate challenge?"
Ino leaned in, a gleam in her eyes. "A race. From one end of Konoha to the other. Loser has to... hmm... wear a ridiculous outfit chosen by the winner for an entire day."
I pretended to ponder the idea, a smirk playing on my lips. "Hmm, that's quite the challenge, Ino. But are you sure you're ready to face the humiliation of losing?"
Ino scoffed, her hands on her hips. "Please, Koushin. I think the real question is whether you're prepared to be seen in public wearing whatever ridiculous outfit I pick out for you."
I couldn't help but chuckle at her confidence. "Alright, Ino. You're on. But don't say I didn't warn you when you're parading around in a clown costume."
Ino shot me a playful glare, but her eyes were sparkling with excitement. "We'll just see about that."
As we made our way to the starting point of our race, we continued to tease each other, our words carrying an undercurrent of affection despite their apparent competitiveness.
"Koushin, have you ever considered that maybe you're just a bit too cocky for your own good?" Ino asked, smirking as she looked at me from the corner of her eye.
I feigned shock, clutching my chest dramatically. "Cocky? Me? I prefer to think of it as well-founded confidence."
Ino laughed, shaking her head. "Well, your 'well-founded confidence' is going to get a reality check today."
We lined up at the starting point, the anticipation building as we prepared for the race. "Alright, Ino," I said, my voice filled with excitement, "On the count of three, we'll start.
Ready?"
"One," Ino counted, her eyes locked on mine.
"Two," I continued, feeling my heart race with anticipation.
"Three!" We shouted in unison, taking off like a bolt of lightning.
We raced through the streets of Konoha, our laughter mingling with the wind as we pushed each other to go faster. It was exhilarating, the feeling of freedom and friendly competition driving us onward.
As we neared the finish line, it was clear that we were evenly matched. Both of us were giving it our all, determined to prove ourselves the victor. In the end, though, I managed to pull ahead just slightly, crossing the finish line with a triumphant grin.
Ino huffed, trying to catch her breath as she joined me at the finish line. "Fine, Koushin," she conceded, a smile tugging at her lips, "You win this time. But just you wait, I'll get you in the next challenge."
I grinned, reaching over to ruffle her hair affectionately. "I look forward to it, Ino. And don't worry, I'll make sure to pick out a truly spectacular outfit for you."
Ino swatted my hand away, her eyes rolling but her laughter betraying her true feelings. "You're insufferable, Koushin."
"And yet," I replied, wrapping an arm around her shoulder while pointing at myself, "you still seem to like to suffer this condition."
Ino leaned into me, her laughter subsiding as she rested her head on my shoulder. "Yeah," she admitted softly, "I guess I do."
We spent the rest of the day browsing the shops, searching for the perfect ridiculous outfit for Ino to wear as punishment for losing our race.
Finally, after much debate and laughter, we settled on a flashy, brightly-colored outfit complete with an outrageous hat. Ino groaned at the sight of it, but she was a good sport and agreed to wear it the next day.
The following morning, I met up with Ino, trying to stifle my laughter as she emerged from her house wearing the ridiculous getup. To her credit, she wore it with as much grace as possible, though her cheeks were flushed with embarrassment.
"Alright, Koushin," she muttered, her eyes narrowed playfully, "I hope you're enjoying this. Just remember, payback's a... well, you know."
I grinned, offering her a mock salute. "Duly noted, Ino. But for now, let's just enjoy your moment of, uh, fashion-forwardness."
As we walked through the village, we were met with a mixture of laughter and confusion from those we passed. Ino, to her credit, held her head high, refusing to let her embarrassment get the best of her.
Throughout the day, we continued our flirty banter, each teasing remark and sarcastic comment only serving to strengthen our bond. It was clear to anyone who knew us that beneath the surface of our playful rivalry, there was a deep affection and love for one another.
As the sun began to set, Ino finally shed her ridiculous outfit, her face a mix of relief and amusement. "Well, Koushin," she said, smirking at me, "I hope you enjoyed your victory today. Just remember, next time, it'll be you wearing something utterly humiliating."
I laughed, pulling her into a gentle hug. "I have no doubt, Ino. But for now, let's just enjoy the fact that we have each other."
Ino smiled, her eyes shining with warmth as she wrapped her arms around me. "That sounds so lame!"
I pulled back, feigning a hurt expression. "Lame? Me? I thought it was pretty sweet."
Ino rolled her eyes, but her smile never wavered. "Fine, I'll admit it was a little sweet. But don't let it go to your head, Koushin."
"I promise, my ego will remain in check," I replied, grinning as I took her hand in mine.
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