NOTAKING
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Chapter 8
🕑 Added 2025-04-06 19:47:36 +0000 UTCMinato watched them go, gripping his chopsticks a little tighter than necessary. He forced himself to relax, exhaling through his nose as he reminded himself that Travis was just a friend—just someone Kushina had gotten close to recently.
Yet the way she lit up around him, the way she forgot Minato was even there… it gnawed at him.
Meanwhile, Travis and Kushina made their way through the village, side by side, their energy buzzing with a playful excitement.
“So, what exactly are you gonna show me?” Travis asked as they entered the training grounds.
Kushina cracked her knuckles, a wicked grin forming. “Oh, you’ll see. Just try to keep up!”
With no warning, she lunged at him, her fist cutting through the air toward his face.
Travis dodged effortlessly, smirking. “Damn, eager, aren’t we?”
She didn’t reply—just kept attacking, fists flying in a blur of movement. She was fast, and strong too, her strikes carrying the kind of raw power that would send most people sprawling.
But to Travis? It was nothing.
He dodged every punch, weaving around her strikes like it was a game.
Kushina gritted her teeth. “Stop dodging and fight back!”
Travis chuckled. “You sure? You might regret it.”
She scoffed. “As if! Hit me with your best shot!”
Travis’ grin widened.
In a flash, he was behind her, his arm looping around her waist as he lifted her off the ground effortlessly.
“Wha—?!”
Before she could react, he spun her around and gently tossed her onto the grass, pinning her wrists to the ground as he loomed over her.
Kushina’s breath hitched.
The shift in energy was immediate. The playfulness was still there, but something else had crept in—something heavier, charged with an unspoken tension.
Travis stared down at her, his usual smirk in place, but his eyes—those knowing eyes—made her heart race in a way she didn’t understand.
“See?” he murmured. “Told you you’d regret it.”
Kushina swallowed, her face burning. “T-this doesn’t count! You cheated!”
Travis raised an eyebrow. “Did I?”
She struggled slightly, but his grip was firm—not painful, just secure. Her mind was racing.
She wasn’t used to being in this kind of position—pinned beneath someone, feeling their warmth, their presence so close.
And what was worse?
She didn’t hate it.
Travis tilted his head, clearly amused by her internal struggle. “You good there, tomato?”
“D-don’t call me that!” she snapped, twisting her body again—only to realize that all it did was press her closer to him.
Travis chuckled. “Alright, alright, I’ll let you go.”
And just like that, he released her wrists and stood up, offering her a hand.
Kushina hesitated before taking it, allowing him to pull her to her feet.
She dusted herself off, avoiding his gaze. “Tch. You still cheated.”
Travis laughed, shoving his hands into his pockets. “If that helps you sleep at night, sure.”
Kushina crossed her arms, pouting slightly. But she couldn’t hide the way her lips twitched—like she wanted to smile but refused to let him see it.
Travis watched her with a knowing smirk.
‘Yeah… I definitely have her.’
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, Travis and Kushina made their way back through the village, the lingering energy from their spar still buzzing between them.
“You totally took advantage of my moment of weakness,” Kushina muttered, side-eyeing him.
Travis chuckled. “Moment of weakness? You were weak the whole time.”
She whirled on him, fire blazing in her eyes. “What did you just say?!”
He laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Relax, tomato, I’m just messing with you.”
Kushina huffed, turning away as her blush returned. “Idiot…”
They continued walking until they reached her apartment. Kushina hesitated at the door, shifting her weight slightly.
“…Wanna come in?” she asked, almost casually.
Travis smirked. “You sure? You might end up liking my company a little too much.”
Kushina scoffed. “As if—just get inside already.”
She unlocked the door and stepped in, Travis following behind. Her place was cozy, simple yet welcoming.
Kushina tossed her shoes off and stretched. “Ahhh, home sweet home.”
Travis scanned the space, nodding approvingly. “Not bad. Not bad at all.”
Kushina walked to the kitchen, grabbing two bottles of sake. “You drink?”
Travis took one without hesitation. “Not like it affects me, but sure, why not?”
They sat down, sharing drinks as the night wore on.
Kushina, now more relaxed, leaned back against the couch, a slight flush on her cheeks—not entirely from the alcohol.
“You know… you’re annoying,” she muttered, looking at him from the corner of her eye.
Travis smirked. “Yeah? And yet, here you are, drinking with me in your apartment.”
Kushina rolled her eyes but didn’t deny it.
Silence settled between them—not awkward, but charged.
She shifted slightly, glancing at him. “You ever… really been close to someone before?”
Travis raised an eyebrow. “Define close.”
Kushina exhaled, swirling the sake in her bottle. “I mean… someone you feel like you can just be with. No expectations, no bullshit. Just… be.”
Travis was quiet for a moment.
“…Can’t say I have,” he admitted. “Most people are either after something or just temporary.”
Kushina hummed, nodding slowly.
“Yeah… I get that.”
She leaned her head back, staring at the ceiling. “It’s exhausting sometimes, y’know?”
Travis watched her, sensing the vulnerability in her tone. He wasn’t one for sentimental moments, but something about Kushina made it easy to just listen.
“…Yeah,” he said simply. “I do.”
Kushina turned her head slightly, meeting his gaze.
The room felt smaller. Warmer.
She swallowed. “Travis…”
He smirked. “Yeah?”
She hesitated.
Then, she shook her head, laughing softly. “Never mind.”
Travis chuckled, leaning back. “Oh, no, you can’t just do that. You were about to say something interesting.”
Kushina rolled her eyes. “Just forget it, idiot.”
But Travis saw the way she looked at him—the way her eyes lingered a second too long.
He grinned.
‘ Why not try some teasing ' He thought.
TO BE CONTINUED 
