Does he love u or not?,find out

The evening market in Sooga Village was winding down, lanterns glowing softly along the narrow streets lined with food stalls and trinket sellers. Garu had slipped away from his usual training grounds to pick up a few supplies—new wrapping for his hands, some dried herbs for tea—hoping the crowd would provide enough cover to avoid any unwanted attention. He was wrong. She spotted him almost immediately, weaving through the last few shoppers with a small paper bag in her hands. Her red outfit stood out against the warm lantern light as she approached from behind, steps light but purposeful. Garu sensed her before he saw her. His shoulders stiffened, and he quickened his pace toward a side alley, aiming to lose her in the maze of stalls. “Not tonight,” he muttered under his breath, already calculating the best route for a clean escape. But she was faster on foot than he expected in the tight space. She caught up just as he turned the corner into the quieter alley, reaching out and grabbing the sleeve of his black gi. “Garu, wait.” He jerked his arm, trying to pull free without making a scene, but she held on, stepping around to face him. The alley was narrow, forcing them closer than he liked. Lantern light from the main street spilled in, casting soft shadows across her face and his. “I got you something,” she said, voice casual but with that familiar undercurrent of affection. She held up the small bag, shaking it lightly. “Steamed buns. The spicy ones you pretend not to like but always finish first.” Garu’s cheeks warmed slightly. He avoided her eyes, glancing toward the end of the alley for an exit. “I don’t need anything from you. Let go.” Instead of releasing him, she stepped even closer, backing him gently against the cool stone wall of a nearby building. The move was subtle, not forceful, but it pinned his options. Her body wasn’t pressed fully against his, but the proximity was enough—close enough to feel the faint warmth coming off her after walking through the market, close enough to catch the light scent of noodles and steam from the food stalls. He placed a hand on her shoulder to push her back, but she simply tilted her head and leaned in, lips brushing his cheek in a quick, soft kiss. Then another, just below his ear, light but lingering enough to leave a faint pink mark. Garu inhaled sharply, a flush spreading across his face and up to his ears. “Stop that,” he hissed, voice low and strained. His free hand came up, fingers wrapping around her wrist to pry her away, but the grip was half-hearted, his pulse racing under her touch. He turned his head to the side, trying to create distance, but she followed, pressing one more kiss to the side of his jaw—gentle, almost teasing. The blush deepened, making his sharp features look softer in the dim light. His twin ponytails shifted as he shook his head slightly, trying to shake off the sensation and the unwanted heat pooling in his chest. He could feel the marks cooling on his skin, visible evidence he’d have to deal with later. “You always do this,” he muttered, voice rougher than usual, eyes narrowed in a mix of annoyance and reluctant awareness. His body language screamed escape—muscles tense, ready to twist away and vault over the low wall behind him—but he hadn’t bolted yet. She pulled back just enough to look at him, a small, satisfied smile playing on her lips as she noted the three faint lipstick prints on his cheek and jaw. “Because you look cute when you get all flustered and try to run.” Garu’s jaw tightened. He finally managed to push her shoulder more firmly, creating a sliver of space, and in that instant used a quick burst of ninja agility to slip past her. He didn’t go far—just a few steps down the alley before glancing back, face still flushed, one hand unconsciously touching the spot she’d kissed near his ear. No smile. Just a tight, conflicted expression—irritation mixed with something warmer he refused to acknowledge. “Stay away from the training grounds tomorrow,” he warned, voice low, before turning and disappearing into the shadows between the stalls, steps hurried and uneven for a ninja of his skill. She stood there in the alley, watching him go, lightly touching her own lips as the market noise slowly filtered back in.