Do I Mean Anything To You?
Eighteen-year-old Hinata panted as sweat dripped down her forehead. She had been training for 2 hours straight.
She pulled out a kunai and shot it towards a tree in front of her. Smiling a bit, she saw the kunai immediately going through the tree trunk, piercing through 4 other trees before it stopped.
Hinata sighed and relaxed her chakra. She picked up all her weapons and looked at the damage she had caused. The ground had multiple craters in it, trees around her were broken and torn down, and rocks were everywhere. "I guess I practiced a little too hard…" Hinata shrugged and proceeded to walk out the training grounds.
She has been dating Naruto for a year now. After confessing to him, he just blankly agreed to her. Until now, she still wondered why the hell he ever agreed to date her. Maybe it was pity for not noticing her feelings for so long. Maybe it was the fact that he just needed something more amusing in his life. Or maybe it was to simply get rid of the feelings he still had for Sakura. Hinata obviously couldn't include the thought that he agreed because he loved her.
That was too impossible.
Hinata let out a sigh. To be honest, she was getting a bit bored with their relationship. Sure, Naruto was a good boyfriend and all, but she felt like he still treats her the same. She felt as if she was still in the "friend zone". She could obviously see that there was no affection towards her. Hinata made up her mind. She knew she had to break up with him.
Naruto, as usual, was at Ichiraku. He was already eating his third bowl.
"Naruto!" His ears perked up when he heard Hinata's voice.
"I knew you'd be here," Hinata came in and sat beside him.
"Hey Hinata! Whoa…you look tired," Naruto blinked at her exhausted state.
"Yea…I just came from training," Hinata gave him a small smile.
"Well, you should give it a rest. You've been training an awful lot nowadays, you know? You're gonna make me worry about your health," Naruto narrowed his eyes at her.
"I'm fine. Training just helps me pass the time when there's nothing else to do," Hinata shrugged.
"Ok…but don't overdo it," Naruto scolded lightly.
Hinata nodded and stared at him as he resumed eating. Over the years, she's grown fond of him. She doesn't stutter anymore or feel like fainting whenever she's near him. To put it frankly, she's become a big more independent in a way. Hinata plopped her elbows on the table and stole glances over at Naruto. Adoration filled her as she admired everything about him. To her, he's always perfect. He was funny, charming, cute, strong, caring, and always looks out for others. He was her ideal guy. But there was just one flaw about him…he doesn't love her. Hinata's eyes saddened. She felt like crying, but over the years, she knew how to control her emotions and kept them in.
Naruto's eyes averted to her and he stopped eating when he saw her expression. "Hinata, are you sure you're ok? You look a bit depressed. And you've been really quiet these past few days. Are you sure you're not overworking yourself?" Naruto asked worriedly.
Hinata stayed quiet. She just stared blankly ahead like she was in deep thought.
Naruto suddenly felt like he lost his appetite. He reached towards her and grabbed her hand gently. "Hey, do you want to go to the hospital so they can check you? You seem so distant lately," Naruto felt her forehead to see if she had a fever.
Hinata sighed and pulled away from him. "I'm ok. You don't have to worry so much, Naruto. I'm alright," She replied softly and gave him a reassuring smile.
Naruto stood up, slammed some money on the table, and suddenly dragged her out with him.
"N…Naruto, what are you doing?" Hinata blinked in surprise.
"Something is wrong. I can see it. I'm not stupid, Hinata…if something's bothering you, just tell me. I'm your boyfriend, aren't I? You're supposed to trust me…so tell me if you're not feeling well," Naruto replied and tightened his grasp on her hand.
Hinata could clearly see the worry in his eyes. Why was he so worried? Why was he so frantic over her? Hinata's eyes softened. She boldly placed a hand on his cheek and leaned up. Naruto blushed when she place a light kiss on his cheek. "Of course I trust you. And if I'm not feeling well, I'd definitely tell you. But right now, I'm ok…really, Naruto. You don't have to be so worried. Calm down, ok?" She looked him in the eyes seriously.
Naruto bit his lower lip. He slumped his shoulders down a bit and nodded slowly. "Yea, sorry, I just hate seeing you look so depressed." He replied quietly.
Hinata couldn't help but fall in love so much deeper with him. He always cared so damn much about her…but it was a caring matter of a friend. But even though she knew he just cared about her as a friend, how was she supposed to break up with him whenever he was like this? Whenever he worried about her, a feeling of love just rushes over her. Hinata couldn't help it. Can she really just dump him? She could imagine a shocked, sympathetic, looking Naruto if she said the words, "Let's break up". Hinata didn't know if she could bear seeing such an expression from Naruto. It would definitely just make her want to take back the words and stay in a relationship with him. But she knew she had to do it. She had to break free. She wasn't necessarily…happy.
"I think I'll go home, now. I still need to take a shower…I feel dirty from all that training," Hinata said and wriggled her hand out of his grasp.
"Ah, actually, I don't have anything to do today. Can I come over your place?" Naruto asked and grinned sheepishly.
"Um…I guess. I have nothing to do today, either," Hinata shrugged.
Naruto took her hand again as they walked over to Hinata's house (Oh yea…by now, you should already know she afforded her own placed and moved out of the Hyuuga household, lol).
Hinata unlocked her door and took off her shoes. She closed door after Naruto came in. "I'll be right out. I'm gonna take a quick shower," Hinata replied before disappearing into her room.
Naruto plopped down on the couch. His eyes roamed around her small home. He smiled when his eyes traveled over to the kitchen. He could imagine himself and Hinata married, with two kids, eating dinner together. Naruto chuckled at the thought. After dating her for a year, he found out more about Hinata and he realized he came to like her more and more. He didn't know why he was so dense as to not notice how perfect she was.
Her longer hair framed her face shape gracefully and she finally got rid of that jacket that hid her curvy, feminine figure. He never really realized how much she cared and loved him until they started dating. She accepted everything about him, even his imperfections and mistakes. As of now, she was his most important person in the world.
After moments of thinking about her, Naruto snapped out of his gaze when he felt someone shake his shoulder lightly.
"Naruto, are you daydreaming or something? You didn't even notice me come in the room…" Hinata giggled softly.
Naruto blushed in embarrassment. His "daydreaming" expression must've look really stupid. He gazed at her and her strong scent of shampoo hit him. Damn, she took really quick showers. Her hair was still slightly damp and messy, making her look even cuter than she already is. She was wearing a simple white, spaghetti-strapped dress that wrapped her curves nicely and showed off some of her flawless skin. "You know…you're really beautiful when you're out of your ninja outfit," Naruto smiled at her.
Hinata blushed and smiled back shyly at him. Awkwardly, she sat down by him in silence.
Naruto's hand traveled over to hers and held it tightly. For a year now, Hinata's gotten used to holding hands and being intimate with him…sometimes. They hugged from time to time, but she never recalled any memory of them ever kissing. Hinata closed her eyes and laid her head on the side of his shoulder. She loved how their curves fitted perfectly with each other.
Naruto looked down at her from the corner of his eyes. Her peaceful expression made her look like a sleeping princess.
Hinata felt Naruto's warmth coming closer. She slowly opened her eyes and nearly shrieked, seeing Naruto's face turned and leaning slightly too close to hers.
Naruto merely gave her a playful smirk and bumped his forehead on hers. "Sorry…I just wanted to get a better look at you. You were so cute with your eyes closed," He muttered.
Hinata blushed. 'He was so close…I thought he was going to kiss me or something…' She thought and looked down shyly from his gaze.
Naruto chuckled at her cute expression. "So what do you do while training? Are you like, coming up with a new technique or something since you spend so much time?" Naruto asked, changing the subject because of Hinata's uncomfortable face.
"Um…not really. I'm just practicing the basics. I want to be able to control my chakra better before I experience or try to learn any new moves," Hinata replied quietly.
"I see. Ah! I should come watch you train sometimes," Naruto grinned.
"What? No, no…I'm no good. I'll get nervous with you around, too. I don't like people watching me do things…and you'll probably think I'm weak. I'm nothing compared to you, so I really don't want to just embarrass myself in front of-,"
"Hinata," Naruto called her name sternly. Hinata blinked at his sudden tone of voice. "After all this time, you still think you're weak? You're the strongest woman I know…" Naruto gave her a gentle smile.
"Mm, but…I still don't want you watching me. I'm seriously going to get nervous," Hinata averted her eyes down to the floor.
"Well if I can't watch you, then let me train with you," Naruto suggested and put his arm around her, pulling her close to him.
Hinata blushed at the sudden contact. "I guess…" She murmured.
Naruto looked over at the clock in her kitchen and he gasped. "Oh shoot! I gotta go to Sakura for a while!" He exclaimed.
"What for?" Hinata blinked.
"She asked me to help some of her academy students in chakra controlling. I promised her yesterday that I'd do it," Naruto got up and put on his shoes quickly.
"Well, what about Sasuke? Why can't he help her?" Hinata asked, not wanting him to go to Sakura.
"Sasuke's currently on a mission right now. He's coming back tomorrow. Sorry…I gotta go," Naruto glanced back at the clock and opened the door to go. Hinata sighed and looked away sadly as he closed the door shut. "He's always so hyped up whenever he spends time with her. Breaking up with him is better for us after all," She slumped back down on the couch. "Because of course, he still loves her…"
Hinata lay down and stared up at the ceiling. For some reason, she didn't feel any sadness. She closed her eyes and felt no tears coming. "I guess I'm already used to the fact that he won't love me. I guess…I really don't care anymore…"
Naruto panted as he reached the academy. He smiled, seeing Sakura surrounded by kids. "Sakura! I'm here…sorry, I'm late. I was with Hinata," He replied as he reached her.
"Gosh, I was wondering when you'd get here," Sakura sighed in relief.
Naruto looked down to see a bunch of kids staring at him with interest. "Uh…hi," He said awkwardly and waved.
The little kids waved back and giggled.
"Aren't they cute?" Sakura laughed.
"Yea, they are. So, chakra controlling, right?" Naruto asked.
"Yep. Thanks for coming…Sasuke's always going on missions. Oh, and guess what?" Sakura grinned happily.
"What?" Naruto raised an eyebrow.
"He proposed to me last night," Her eyes shines brightly and she raised her hand up to reveal a beautiful diamond ring on her finger.
Naruto nearly gaped. "Seriously?" He exclaimed, causing some little kids to jump in surprise.
"Hehe, yea. I've waited so long! I'm so happy," Sakura couldn't stop smiling.
"That's good for you. Tell me when you guys decide on the wedding date…I need to cake Sasuke's face," Naruto chuckled.
"Well, are you having any big plans for Hinata? It's been a year since you two have been together," Sakura replied with interest.
Naruto thought for a moment. "I guess…" He shrugged.
Sakura immediately glared at him. "What do you mean 'I guess?' Do you even love her? You know, she's the best you will ever have, Naruto. No other girl will love you as much-,"
"I know, I know. It's just that…I'm not entirely sure if I love her. I can honestly say that I like her…but…I don't know if it's any stronger than that. I feel like it's just a crush," Naruto narrowed his eyes.
"What? How can you say that? If you're not even sure of your feelings towards her, then why stay with her this long? You're going to give her high hopes, Naruto…she's going to be disappointed in you if you're not moving forward in your relationship with her," Sakura scolded and crossed her arms.
"I'll think about it…in the meantime, let's help these kids with their chakra."
Neji knocked on Hinata's door. It's been a while since he talked to her.
After a few moments, the door opened to reveal a sleeping-looking Hinata. "Oh…Neji…what are you doing here?" She smiled at the sight of her cousin.
"I just came to visit you. I don't see you around a lot, anymore…do you just stay home all day?" Neji asked as Hinata stepped to the side to let him in.
"No. I just go out to train a lot, that's why," Hinata said as she closed the door.
"I see. Have you been well? Your father told me that you should go visit them once a while. You haven't been back to the Hyuuga household ever since you moved out," Neji's eyes roamed around her home.
"I've been pretty good. Since father insists it, I'll come visit sometime this week," Hinata walked over to the kitchen. "Do you want something to eat? Or drink?" She asked, opening up the fridge.
"Just water, thanks," Neji flashed a quick smile at her.
Hinata noticed he's been smiling a lot more, now that he's dating Tenten. "So…how are things going with Tenten?" She dared to ask.
She could see his expression lighten up by the mention of Tenten's name. "Ah, we're doing pretty good. I didn't know that I'd end up liking her so much…I'm starting to think that maybe, she could be the one." He replied.
"I'm so happy for you, Neji," Hinata giggled as she poured some water into a glass cup.
"What about you? You and Naruto have been dating for a year…anything progressing lately?" Neji asked as Hinata handed him the cup of water.
"I'm breaking up with him," Hinata said straightforwardly.
Neji nearly choked on the water he was drinking. "What? Why?" He blinked.
"I already know he'll never love me. Until now, I can still see that I'm just a friend to him. I don't want to continue dating him if he feels nothing for me," Hinata shrugged.
"But…you love him…you shouldn't give up-,"
"Sorry, but I already gave up. It's ok, Neji. I'm fine. I can manage without him. Besides…what good is it to continue anyways? A whole year has gone by and he still hasn't fallen in love with me. It's useless," Hinata shook her head.
Neji noticed her expression was serious. He knew he shouldn't say anything more…she already made up her decision.
"Honestly, I feel as if he hasn't even gotten over Sakura, yet," Hinata sighed and crossed her arms.
"Neji, will it be ok if I break up with him today? Or should I wait until tomorrow? I want to do it as soon as possible. I want to let go of him, already…" She looked at him, waiting for a response.
"It's your choice, not mines. If you want to break up with him right now, just go. I'll support your decision no matter what it is…as long as you're happy," Neji made a small smile at her.
"Thank you…" Hinata thought for a few moments. "…I think I should wait until tomorrow. Right now, he's busy helping Sakura train little kids, anyway."
So this story is similar to my other story, "Do I Matter To You"(which focuses on Sasuke and Sakura). I decided to make a version of Hinata and Naruto, hehe :) So basically, this story will also only have 2-3 chapters. Please REVIEW and tell me what you think of the first chapter. The next chapter will be up shortly. Thanks for reading!