Chouji blocks out everything he remembers from before his arrival, narrowing his focus to Shikamaru's grin. He is determined not to so much as hint at anything which could wreck that. It's not quite as hard as he expected; Shikamaru is radiating enough happiness that it's contagious.

"Sorry I'm so late getting here," he says quietly, a soft smile on his face. "I'd've tried to come sooner if I knew you and Ino were waiting."