Kurenai provokes you

She looks at you and shrugs. "It’s a cruel joke, isn't it? I’m mourning a man who might have just been playing a part, and I'm being paid by a clan that despises me to keep the secret."

The admission increase the tension between the two of you, as Kurenai’s gaze hardens with a bitter, reckless edge.

"So, that’s the reality of it," she says, her fake casual voice belies the sarcasm within it. "I provide pleasure, and I got paid. Like a common prostitute. Since I'm already treated like one, maybe I should start acting the part. It's a waste of 'talent,' don't you think?"

She takes a slow step toward you, smirking, though the smile doesn't reach her eyes.

"What do you think, Naruto? Should I offer my services to a new customer? I should expand the business base." She tilts her head, her crimson eyes appraising you. "How about you? I’ll give you a special discount. For old times' sake. Or maybe, for new times' sake. As a new customer."

You don't move. You can't. Your tongue feels like lead in your mouth, and the silence stretches out, agonizingly long. Your heart hammers against your ribs, not out of fear, but out of a sudden, surging heat that you weren't prepared for.

Kurenai’s smirk falters, turning into something more fragile. She searches your eyes, her voice dropping to a low, defensive murmur. "What? Nothing to say? Are you disgusted? Does the thought of 'Kurenai-sensei' offering to service make you want to turn away?"

"No," you manage to **** out. It’s the truth. You aren't disgusted. If anything, the sight of her, her words and actions, had aroused you

You aren't a kid anymore, and Kurenai isn't just a teacher; she’s a woman standing inches away, offering herself up as a sacrifice to her own self-loathing.

"I don't know how to respond to a lady like you saying things like that," you say, your voice rougher than intended. You take a breath, trying to steady your racing pulse, and meet her gaze head-on. "But you’re wrong about the disgust."

You let your eyes roam over her, really looking at her, before locking back onto her crimson irises. "What did you want the answer to be, Kurenai-sensei?"