The next morning, the soft rays of the sun filtered through the thin paper windows, casting a golden hue across the tea shop. Souta stretched lazily, shaking off the remnants of sleep before preparing for another day of work. Business as usual.
...
Mikoto Uchiha guided little Itachi through the streets of Konoha, her son's small hand resting in hers as they moved through the morning crowd. Itachi, barely more than a toddler, was unusually observant for his age, his sharp eyes scanning everything around him with quiet curiosity.
As they walked, Itachi suddenly slowed, his gaze locking onto a small tea shop tucked between larger buildings. His grip on Mikoto's hand tightened slightly.
"Mother," he said, tilting his head. "Can we go in?"
Mikoto followed his gaze, her heart skipping a beat as she recognized the place. Souta's tea shop.
She hesitated for the briefest moment before offering a composed smile. "Of course, dear."
Stepping inside, the familiar scent of brewed tea filled the air. The shop was quiet, a few early customers seated at the far end, enjoying their drinks. Behind the counter, Souta was preparing an order, his movements relaxed and fluid.
At first, he didn't notice them, but when he turned, his eyes met Mikoto's for a fleeting second. A glint of amusement flickered across his face, but he said nothing out of the ordinary.
"Welcome," he greeted smoothly, setting down a fresh cup of tea before moving towards them. "What can I get for you today?"
Mikoto kept her expression calm, unwilling to let even a trace of familiarity slip in front of Itachi. "Just green tea for me," she said politely. "And for you, Itachi?"
Itachi studied the menu for a moment before responding, "The same."
Souta hummed, already preparing their drinks with practiced ease. "Good choice."
As he worked, Mikoto stole a glance at him, her heart beating just a bit faster than usual. He was acting completely normal, as if nothing between them had ever happened. But she knew him too well—there was always mischief lurking beneath that composed exterior.
When the tea was ready, Souta set their cups down gently before them. "Enjoy."
Mikoto gave a small nod of thanks and took a sip, keeping her demeanor composed as she and Itachi sat at a nearby table. Itachi drank his tea quietly, his expression unreadable, though his sharp gaze occasionally wandered around the shop, taking in the surroundings.
After a few minutes, Mikoto placed her cup down and rose to leave. "Come, Itachi."
Souta, having stepped out from behind the counter, was now beside them. "Leaving so soon?" he asked casually, his gaze flickering toward Itachi before settling on Mikoto with that same infuriating glint in his eyes.
Mikoto kept her posture composed. "Yes. Thank you for the tea."
"You're welcome anytime," Souta replied easily. Then, shifting his focus, he added, "You too, Boy."
That evening, as the streets of Konoha grew quieter, Itachi finally spoke while they walked home.
"Mother," he said, his tone measured, "that man… Souta… Do you know him well?"
Mikoto's steps faltered for just a fraction of a second before she regained her composure. "He... works at that tea shop," she answered neutrally. "I visit there often."
Itachi nodded slowly, his gaze forward. "He looks at you differently."
Mikoto felt a subtle chill run down her spine at her son's observation. He was too perceptive for his age.
She exhaled softly. "Itachi," she said, her tone gentle yet firm, "sometimes, it's better not to overanalyze small things."
The boy was silent for a long moment, then nodded. "I understand."
That night, as Mikoto tucked Itachi into bed, she noticed he was quieter than usual. He lay on his futon, staring at the ceiling with that same thoughtful expression he often wore when deep in concentration.
She brushed a hand through his hair. "Itachi, is something on your mind?"
The boy blinked before turning to face her. "The tea shop man, Souta… he was nice."
Mikoto raised a brow. "Yes, he is."
Itachi paused. "Do you think he would teach me how to make tea?"
Mikoto was caught off guard. "Why would you want to learn?"
The boy hesitated before answering. "Father is always busy, and Shisui says it's important to learn from different people. If I learn something new, it might help me become stronger."
Mikoto chuckled softly. "Making tea will make you stronger?"
Itachi nodded seriously, and she smiled. It was such a simple request, but the idea of her son spending time somewhere safe, somewhere peaceful—away from the pressures of their clan—made her consider it.
"I'll ask him next time we visit," she promised.
Itachi gave a small nod of approval before closing his eyes.
The next afternoon, Mikoto and Itachi returned to the tea shop. Souta was behind the counter as usual, but this time, his gaze flickered between Mikoto and Itachi with mild curiosity. He didn't comment as they ordered their tea, but after a moment, Mikoto spoke up.
"Itachi has a request."
Souta raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
Itachi met his gaze without hesitation. "Can you teach me how to make tea?"
Souta blinked, then chuckled. "That's not something I hear every day." He studied the boy for a moment before glancing at Mikoto, who gave him a small nod.
"Well," Souta said, rubbing his chin, "I suppose I can. But it won't be easy."
"I don't mind," Itachi replied seriously.
Souta smirked. "Alright, kid. You're on."
The morning after Itachi's request, Souta resumed his usual routine at the tea shop, preparing for another day of work. The warm scent of freshly brewed tea filled the air as customers trickled in, some exchanging polite greetings while others settled into quiet conversations.