Falling (Part I)
The door stood as a barrier, the high windows and shut door giving no clue what was inside. The faint sound of chatter drifting to where I stood, facing the door, more than hesitant to enter it. My lips pressed together into what I called my determined face before it gave way to another sigh. Surely it was not that hard, just knocking on the door then opening to enter my new class.
It was not to say that I did not know anyone in this school, after all my cousin was in the grade above, enrolling just like I had, though I doubted that he was facing the same dilemma I had. How long since I had been back here? Five, six years?
I still vaguely remembered some of the students in my grade back when I was in primary, and only the other day I had looked over my old grade four school photos in an attempt to refresh my memory. But I doubt the pictures would help much, after all everyone had changed so much, myself included.
I sighed once more, tugging at my short dark shoulder length hair. I wondered if anyone would recognize me, wondered if anyone even remembered a Hyuga Hinata. It had been so long, and I honestly did not want to break the barrier and enter the unknown.
A quick glance at my watch promptly told her that I had to enter soon or else I would be too late. I was already slightly late but I knew that would be overlooked as I had the excuse I had to sign myself in at the office after all this was my first day.
Smoothing out of dark green jumper and skirt one last time I raised my hand to knock on the door at the same moment it slid open and dark eyes stared blankly at me. I blinked in surprise before adverting my gaze to observe the classroom as my hand dropped uselessly back to my side.
I was starting to feel embarrassed now as the occupants of the room had their attention fixated at me. A clearing of a throat brought my attention back to the male standing in front of me, looking impatient. With a start I realized I must have been in the way and promptly took a step to the side and he moved past me, walking down the corridor without a second glance.
...and that was how I first met him...
"I'm a new student," I said in a soft voice for the third time today in yet another class, more than aware that the class had once again focused their attention on me.
"Please take a free seat-" the teacher paused to glance down at the forms of paper she was holding. "Hyuga-san," the crimson-eyed woman smiled.
My lips twitched into a smile in response before I turned around to face the class, grey eyes scanning the room to search for an unoccupied seat whilst attempting to avoid the gazes of others, seeing how I had yet to make any friends in this class. A blonde haired girl smiled at me, making a small gesture towards an empty seat that was in front of her.
With no where else better to go, and not wanting to be rude to someone who was so kindly offering me a seat, I crossed over, placing my bag on the table and sitting down, immediately turning sideways in my seat so I could face the girl. I offered a small smile.
"I'm Yamanka Ino. Let me know if you have any troubles," the blonde said in greeting.
"I'm Hyuga Hinata, I hope we get along well," I said politely, glancing briefly at her face before my gaze travelled sideways to a boy who was looking in my direction.
As if noticing I was looking at him, his head turned in my direction and before I could lower my gaze he looked at me. He seemed to have no issue at catching me staring and returned a stare as well as offering a grin. I had dropped my gaze then.
"Naruto, stop staring at the new girl, you are creeping her out." Ino remarked.
"Ah but she's so cute," exclaimed the boy without any shame, before adding in, "I'm Naruto, nice to meet you."
I could feel myself start to blush. I did not need his introduction to know him, after all his face was just way too familiar to me, even without the need for that extra glance at the school photos. The grin, so similar to his childhood one was enough to make the blood rush to my face.
...and like that the school days passed by...
"I like you... I've always liked you!"
End Part One
A/N (14/2/08): Well this is actually meant to be a one-shot, but due to my lack of planning, it is going to be longer. I had the plot written up ages ago, and I thought 'O, I'll actually get to writing it in February', needless to say I forgot about said plot, and after much rushing and taking the introduction from another story I was thinking of, I have produced a Part One in time for Valentines (and I only really started making this story today -go me-)
Uhm... those short italic lines are narration (probably) and represent a skip in time. I shall probably get the next part up within a month or so, after all I've planned most of it, and I hope you readers can tolerate the somewhat dodgy plot, difference in writing styles and.. lack of real planning. Thanks again if any of you are reading, and please let me know any mistakes or whatnot. Happy V-day
-Demeterr