Beginnings
It all started as a crush back in the academy. Hinata had first noticed Naruto when he would raise his hand in class to ask a question, and the teacher either ignored him or ridiculed him for not understanding what they called a simple concept.
But what kept Hinata captivated on Naruto was how he never gave up. Hinata would see him rush off to the academy's training ground to practice throwing his shuriken and kunai. Or when he made a mistake in class and he would scratch the back of his head while grinning cheekily towards their teacher, as if he did it on purpose. Oh, how Hinata wanted to go up to him as ask if she could help him understand a lesson or technique that learned that day. But her shyness prevented her from acting directly. So she helped him in secret. Slipping notes into his desk before class with little tips and the answers to his questions he had the day before. Even go so far to get coupons for the ramen stand he frequently visits.
One day she followed him home instead of waiting for her retainer like she was supposed to after school. Naruto was having a rough day, to say the least. He failed an important test as well as losing horribly in a spar against the strongest fighter in their class. He looked so heartbroken when the teacher started admonishing him for losing. She wanted to make sure he got home okay.
Needless to say, she was disappointed in what she saw from the villagers. They constantly leered at him as he passed by with his head down. Every so often someone would throw a comment his way, and while she couldn't hear what was said slight flinch as all she needed to inform her of the intent. When Naruto finally go home, Hinata wanted so badly to knock on his door and give him the biggest hug she could when he answered. But she couldn't, she couldn't bring herself to do it. So instead, she went to a nearby store and bought Naruto a small gift with what little she money she had on her. Asking the shopkeeper for a small piece of paper and a pencil, she quickly wrote a note and returned to Naruto's apartment.
Stopping in front of his door, she debated whether not to give the gift in person or to leave on his doormat. Decided to leave it for him to find, she slipped to note in the toad printed coin purse and placed gently on the ground. She quickly knocked on the door and ran down the corridor and turned to corner. Slightly panting, she listened as a door opened. She heard his voice slightly echoing down the hallway.
"Thank you, I won't."
After the door closed she released a breath that she was holding, and calmly walked down the stairs to make her way home. Sure she would be scolded by her father for getting home late and not waiting for her retainer, but it was worth it. They would both go by the advice that was written on the note.
Please, don't give up.