章 84: Teasing
Miori returned shortly, carrying a tray laden with teacups and a steaming teapot. She poured the tea with practiced elegance, the subtle aroma filling the room.
Miori's eyes shone with a calculating sparkle, handing a cup of tea to Hanabi. She already had an inkling about why her son had brought Hanabi home, and she was not about to let this moment slip by without a little maternal meddling.
"Here you go, dear," Miori said to Hanabi, who thanked her and took a careful sip.
"Ah, it's really good," Hanabi complimented, a little taken aback by the warmth of Miori's hospitality.
Miori set her teacup down on the table and looked at both youngsters with a gentle smile. "And how have you been enjoying Ryomaru's company? He's still getting used to Konoha, after all."
At this, Ryomaru interjected with a grin, "Yeah, it's been a real eye-opener. And I've had the best tour guide," he nodded at Hanabi, his ice-blue eyes full of mischief.
Hanabi's cheeks flushed deeper, and she mumbled, "I'm glad I could show you around, Ryomaru."
"You two must be close," Miori pressed, her eyes flicking between them. "Spending time together, sparring. It must be nice to have such good company."
"It is," Hanabi said softly, glancing over at Ryomaru, who was now grinning openly. "We've become good friends."
Miori picked up her teacup again and took a sip, her eyes never leaving Hanabi's face. "Friendship is a wonderful foundation, isn't it? Often, the best relationships start that way."
Miori carefully set her teacup back on its saucer, her eyes locking onto Hanabi's as she began her line of inquiry. "So, Hanabi, have you and Ryomaru been to any interesting places in Konoha lately?"
Hanabi's cheeks tinged with a light blush as she answered, "Well, we've been to a few spots. The training grounds, the Hokage monument, and the marketplace."
Ryomaru, sitting next to Hanabi, grinned and added, "Don't forget the ramen place. She introduced me to Ichiraku's. Quite the culinary experience."
"That sounds delightful," Miori said, casting her son a knowing look. "Trying new food together can create lasting memories, don't you think?"
Hanabi fidgeted a bit, taking another sip of her tea to buy some time. "Yes, it was a fun day," she finally responded, avoiding eye contact with Ryomaru.
Miori wasn't one to give up easily, though. "You know, when I was young, exploring new places with someone special always made those places more memorable. Don't you agree?"
Ryomaru chuckled, sensing his mother's motives. "Oh, absolutely, Mum. Seeing Konoha with Hanabi has made everything more interesting. Right, Hanabi?"
Hanabi felt her blush deepen but managed a small nod. "Yes, it's been nice showing Ryomaru around."
Miori then turned her attention back to Ryomaru, still teasing but also a bit serious. "I hope you've been a perfect gentleman during these outings?"
Ryomaru put on an exaggerated expression of innocence. "Mum, you raised me. What do you think?"
Miori's eyes twinkled as she looked back at Hanabi. "I have to make sure, you know. Can't let my son go around making a poor impression."
Hanabi finally looked up, meeting Miori's eyes. "Ryomaru has been nothing but kind and respectful," she assured her, although her tone had a slight defensive edge, as if wanting to shield Ryomaru from any undeserved criticism.
Miori smiled warmly at this, as if that was the answer she'd been waiting for. "Well, I'm relieved to hear that. And Hanabi, you must be quite the catch to have my son spending so much time with you."
Before Hanabi could react to the compliment that felt more like a probe, Ryomaru jumped in, "Well, who wouldn't want to spend time with Hanabi? She's awesome."
Both women turned to look at him, Hanabi's face now a deep shade of crimson. Ryomaru simply beamed, obviously enjoying the little game that was unfolding.
Samui and Mabui, who had been quietly observing from the corner, shared another knowing look but remained silent, amused by the exchange.
Miori took another sip of her tea, considering her next words carefully. "You know, Hanabi, Ryomaru will be here for quite some time. I think it's wonderful that you two have become such good friends so quickly. Friends are the family we choose, after all."
Hanabi felt her heart swell at Miori's words. "Yes, Miori-san. It's been really nice getting to know Ryomaru. He's a good friend, and I hope we can continue to spend time together."
Ryomaru gave her a warm smile, "I couldn't agree more."
Trying to up his teasing game, Ryomaru brought out the big guns. "Mum, Hanabi and I had a little bet, and she lost. So she'll be doing my chores for a week. Good practice, don't you think?"
Hanabi stared at Ryomaru, mouth slightly agape. "P-p-practice?"
Ryomaru couldn't help but chuckle at her expression. Miori flashed her son a sly grin, her eyes dancing with mock-anger. "You're teasing my future daughter-in-law, huh?"
The words hung in the air, and Hanabi felt as if the floor had just disappeared beneath her. "D-d-daughter-in-law?" she stammered, her face a glowing shade of red that could rival a ripe tomato.
Seizing the moment for her own brand of teasing, Miori announced, "Hanabi, how about I show you Ryomaru's baby pictures?"
This time, the tables turned dramatically. Ryomaru's face went ghostly pale, his ice-blue eyes widening in terror. "NO!" he cried out, looking as if he'd just seen the ghost of all his failed ninja missions combined.
Miori burst into laughter, the room echoing with her rich, melodic tone. "Ah, the mighty have fallen!"
Ryomaru groaned. "Mum, you can't do that to me. Not in front of Hanabi!"
"Why not? It's only fair. She'll be doing your chores; she should get to see what she's in for," Miori countered, a devilish glint in her eyes.
Samui and Mabui exchanged quick glances from their corner, obviously struggling to maintain their poker faces. Their eyes said it all; they were enjoying this family drama as if it were a five-star theatrical performance.
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