30 Days of Hell : Chapter 1
The Deal
The girl with the long flowing black hair of lavender highlight ran towards the entrance to her former high school. Her body, now covered in cold sweat, felt sore from the running but that didn't stop her from going. She continued to run as long as she was still breathing, because it was her choice. She decided to take on that path in order to meet up with the boy of her dreams. She was determined to be with the boy after a lifetime of hiding the truth, and after many broken hearts because it was worth it. As she take another corner of the road, she stopped to catch her breath and to see the boy, standing under the famous arch. In front of the entrance of Konoha High.
" Naruto-kun? Are you in here? ", she approached the half-closed door of class 3-7 but instead of going in immediately, she hesitated. It was never her style to rush into things. Besides, she knew that the person she was looking for was in there. She has just seen him running towards it. So she just stood by the classroom door, and waited for his reply. Her heart was beating rapidly, as she waited for his response. Her inherited pearl white eyes continued to stare at the door. Hinata waited anxiously as she had always been for Naruto. It was always him that made her heart beat unexpectedly fast and irregularly. It was always the blonde boy with blue eyes that made her cheeks flushed with crimson red everytime he teased that silky black-haired girl.
And it has always been him to successfully break her heart without him even trying. Just like how he made her to fall for her. Ever since Naruto announced that he was dating Sakura, the school-acclaimed most prettiest girl, she was determined to forget how she felt about him. She cried herself to sleep every night from the first day they have been officially a couple. She would hug the plush toy he gave her for her 15th birthday and went to sleep, imagining that the rabbit wrapped in her arms was him. But in love's greatest challenge, she was never strong enough to leave Naruto. Not even as a friend stucked in the deepest part of the friend zone. She could be the greatest friend he could have because Naruto's best friend, Uchiha Sasuke was too damn cold to even realize that he was hurting. That bastard has always ignored him. Hinata never knew why he even considered Uchiha to be his best friend anyway. After all, he was the coldest boy she has ever met. His eyes were terrifying and he was a boy of thousand words. Even though Hinata often hung out with Naruto and Sakura, she never made an effort to talk to the boy. Like he never made to her. In the end, spending time with Naruto was all that mattered.
Hinata was an awful lover but a great friend. Even when Naruto didn't realize her feelings, she continued to be by that headstrong blonde like she would right then. As she continued waiting for his response, her lips parted to say something but a voice was heard from the classroom. " Yeah.. I'm here. Come in , Hinata-chan. ", her heart started to beat extremely fast again. She walked into the abandoned classroom, and saw Naruto bending over the window, staring out into the setting sun. The radiating light coming from the sun rested on his blonde hair which made it appear to be golden. Hinata continued to stare on his back, and capturing everything she could before her eyes. He looked so beautiful even from the back. The sunlight made his posture even more admirable. In Hinata's case, it was probably one of the best snapshots she could ever take. Yes. She took a snapshot of Naruto posing at the window with her android camera. Good thing it was on silent mode. But it was not the first time Hinata did it. There were hundereds of pictures of Naruto she kept in her android, be it from Facebook or from the school magazine, it was all pictures of Naruto. Some of the photos were in groups, and some were taken during school activities like sports festival or New Year's celebration. But the best ones were by her excellent photography skill. She would take the photos without him realizing. Photos of him falling asleep in the library or even when he was concentrating on something. And also like the one she did before.
She put her android back into her pocket and approached that well-built figure in front of her. She went to his side and then turned to see his face. The light made his face even fairer, and to her amazement, it made him look more handsome. He wasn't the most hottest guy around, thanks to Uchiha. But to her, he was the most greatest, and the most hansome. And how he looked like right now with his arm on the wall, guarding him from falling over, and with his other hand in his pocket, made her heart beats even faster. After staring at him for quite some time, she noticed his swollen eyes. And his frown. Has he been crying? All of a sudden, she was the one who felt the urge to cry because she couldn't bear to see Naruto sad. It devastated her so much that she was also willing to cry with him. " Naruto? ", without her realizing, her fingers trailed his cheek. Naruto was surprised by her act but he didn't mind it. Somehow her touch melted his rage and chased away his depression little by little. " Are you okay? ", she asked. The same question everyone had been asking. And he had always replied with the same answer. ' I'm okay. ', But with Hinata, his reply was much more different.
" No.. ", he chuckled. " How do I look like? Pretty messed up, huh? ". he released the hold of his hand onto hers. He continued staring into the dimishing light of the sun and then said. " Guess I couldn't hide it anymore. ", he looked at her face one more time and then made his way to sit at one of the chairs. He was now sitting with his head rested on the table, with his amrs protecting his head against the hard and cold surface of the desk. Hinata who was standing, also took a seat in front of him. She couldn't help but wanting to stroke his blonde hair. But she just couldn't do so. Probably not wanting to feel awkward around him. She felt embarrassed for touching his cheek just now. But at the same time, she didn't want it to end. Because Naruto held her hand just now. Although she felt like jumping around and screamed happily about it, she was still upset because of him. He was crushing inside. And hopefully she could mend his heart.
" Sakura dumped me because she said she likes someone else. Can you believe it? Why did she want to be with me in the first place then? And breaking up with me in public just like that. Now everybody thinks I'm a loser. ", he muttered. His head was rested on his arms. Hinata was struggling to not tell anything to him about Sakura's longing affection towards Sasuke because like her, Sakura also rested her unrequited love towards Sasuke and instead forgetting about him, she was determined to make him jealous by dating Naruto. Guessed it didn't work. Hinata was hoping and praying that their relationship wouldn't last and to her surprise, it didn't. But to make things worse, Naruto was the one who fell head over heels because of Sakura. It was a one desperate need for one another. A pathetic love triangle.
Hinata collected her strength to reply him. " Naruto.. If I was Sakura.. I'm not going to leave you. I'm going to stay with you until the end.. because.. because... I love you! I love you, Naruto! ", her voice was so loud that those words echoed throughout the hallway. Naruto's head raised to an eye level. Now they are facing each other. Naruto stared into her eyes and then out of curiosity, he spoke. " Hinata... are.. are you..? Could it possible that you... ", before he could even finish what he said, the classroom door was opened widely. Uchiha Sasuke was standing right in front of the classroom.
" Hey, dope? Are you done with moping, because I'm just gonna go home without you if you're not. ", his serious eyes glared into the room. His eyes then stopped to see the long-haired girl sitting in front of his best buddy. He stared into her eyes. Then after a few moments, he quickly turned and walked away. " Sasuke! Wait! I'm.. I'm sorry, Hinata.. I gotta go! ", he ran towards the door. Hinata who was still caught in a trance quickly turned to see her beloved crush was about to leave her. She instantly stood up to say something but then Naruto cut him off. Naruto stopped to turn his head to face Hinata and said. "By the way, Hinata.. thanks for talking to me. You're a great friend! Gotta go! ", he vanished through the door. Hinata who was speechless began to ponder about what Naruto was about to say before that stupid Uchiha showed up.
Why did Sasuke have to show up? Why? Hinata cursed silently. But suddenly her tears began to flood her bottom eyelids. " A great friend? ". Her tears began to stream down. After all I have done, I was only a friend to him. But the confusion began setting in. What was he trying to say before? Was he about to confess like her? But that couldn't be it, because the way she looked at it now, she could be no more than just Naruto Uzumaki's friend who got stucked in the deepest pit of friend zone. She continued crying endlessly, until she got tired.
What was she going to do to break these walls between her and Naruto? But Naruto couldn't be that dense, could he? If it was true that he was going to say something, could it be that he might have felt something to her? She didn't know what to think. Naruto was the only person she couldn't figure out, and he could be dense at reading other people's feeling especially Hinata's, but he was indeed a more difficult code to crack. You wouldn't know what Naruto thinks, until you ask him. But in this case, she couldn't be the one asking him.. because, it would indeed be more confusing and she didn't want to be seen desperate. If so, how was she going to know?
It was already nightfall when she was heading home. That Hyuuga heiress had used to walking home alone. She wanted to go home with her other close friends like Kiba and Shino but they're heading different way. So she went home alone. That was ever since Naruto and Sakura started dating because before that, she would walk with Naruto together with Sasuke and Sakura. Afterwards, she didn't want to interrupt the lovebirds. Although the truth was, her heart couldn't handle their bonding relationship. Now that they've broke up, maybe she could go home with Naruto again but.. wouldn't it be awkward? She just confessed to him, and even though he didn't say anything, it could be weird. There was a slightest feel of regret for telling world's most best kept secret ( not really.. the only person who didn't know was Naruto ), because she knew she couldn't act normally around him any more. After awhile, Hinata sighed.
She used the long road to go home because she felt like she needed to think. She walked past the stores and after she turned to a corner, she stopped. She saw someone familiar in front of the pet shop. 'Is that.. Sasuke?', she gasped. Could there be Naruto? She took a step behind, and waited at the corner. She peeked to see if there were anyone else specifically Naruto beside Sasuke but there was no sign of anybody she know anywhere. Sasuke was wearing a black shirt and a pair of shorts. That reminded her, how long has she been crying after Naruto left her? As she began to count the hours, she suddenly saw Sasuke walking into the pet shop. Sasuke wasn't the kind of guy who would go to a pet store... or was he?
She walked slowly towards the pet shop and before she could step in front of the pet shop, she peeked through the glass walls of the shop and saw.. Sasuke petting a rabbit? What? She couldn't believe her eyes, and turned to look at him again and this time an image of Sasuke snuggling the rabbit was filling her vision. She laughed silently and smirked. It could be unlikely that she would smile sarcastically but she was not as innocent as she looks. Looks like Sasuke did have a soft spot for animals. If the boys at school know about this, they would be so excited to spill the beans. But better yet, if the girls at school know about this, they would be screaming hysterically knowing that the cold-hearted, mysterious Uchiha has a soft spot for animals. Suddenly, the girl had an idea. She took out her android and started taking photos of Sasuke petting the rabbit. She took as many photos as she can until Sasuke walked out of the pet shop. She stayed hidden behind the pillars dividing the pet shop and the other stores. She quickly went the other way and ran home with the most deadly yet genius idea in her mind.
" Good morning, Hinata-chan! ", that blonde boy wished cheerfully. He approached Hinata as if nothing happened yesterday and then pinched her pale nose. Her cheeks were flushed with crimson red after that. She cupped her mouth, trying to cover her blushing face." Hahaha.. you looked so cute when you blush! ", Naruto walked alongside her in the crowd of students, walked hurriedly towards the entrance of Konoha High. Looks like nothing really changed. Naruto stayed ignorant and continued to be as dense as always. The two walked with each other, and came across a group of girls chattering and squealing with high-pitched voice when they saw Sasuke drove in his Ferrari towards the parking lot across the entrance. " So-called mysterious Sasuke is here. ", Hinata whispered but was quickly heard by Naruto's sharp ears. " What?".
" Oh nothing! ", Hinata quickly replied. Naruto instantly ignored, and then approached towards the cherry red Ferrari. Sasuke went out, with his black shades still set on the frame of face. Naruto who looked really pissed grabbed his shades and threw it away. " Hey you bastard, you didn't wait for me this morning! ", Sasuke brushed his hair then shoved his best friend's shoulder. " You're the one who woke up late, you lazy dope. Next time you want to car pool, don't bring me along. ", he picked up the shades and hung it onto his pocket on the shirt. Hinata just stayed behind Naruto, avoiding devilish thoughts to reveal Sasuke's darkest secret. The three went to the entrance together, and the voice of annoying screaming girls can be heard everywhere. Sasuke had always hated them, but they have never failed to displease him with their unconditional obsession with him. Well, what's not to love.. he's hot and has inherited some of his father's riches and he also has a hot brother. But he is also cold-hearted, insensitive and repelling bastard. So.. what's not to love? Hinata was one of the very few girls who disliked Sasuke's guts. Probably because she already had her own sweetheart to look up to. Yup, who else? Of course, the blonde was too dense to realize it. Or wasn't he? But despite her disliking, she respected Sasuke as her friend and Naruto's best friend even though they were the complete opposites of each other.
After what seemed to be forever and intense, they finally arrived at the school hall. Naruto went ahead, leaving Sasuke behind to catch up with Sakura who had now completely ignored him. She didn't even say a slightest word to Naruto, but she did say good morning to Sasuke. Even though Naruto felt a little jealous and mad at Sakura for ignoring, that didn't stop him from chasing after her. Probably wanted more explanantion to why she wanted a break up or trying to get back together with her. Hinata just sighed, watching Naruto followed her like a lost puppy. She wanted more than this confusion and uncertainty. And after Naruto and Sakura dissappeared from her sight. She glanced at Sasuke who had been staring at her since Naruto left. Hinata felt awkward but she proceeded in taking the first step to her secret plan. " Sasuke.. ", she called his name. It was rarely done by her and it actually surprised the boy a little bit.
" Hmm? ", he replied. Hinata was hesitant to say anything but moved on anyway.
" Can I see you during lunch behind block A? I need to talk to you about something. ", usually she stammered but because it annoyed Sasuke too much, she had practiced to talk without stammering. She only stammered.. when it comes to talking to Naruto. Despite her sudden asking for a favor, Sasuke continued to keep calm and ask.
" If it's about that lazy ass dope, I don't want to talk about it. " he was about to walk away, when Hinata grabbed him by his hand and replied. " No! .. It- it's not about him.. I swear.. It's-it's about.. you.. ", Sasuke's eyes widened. It was really strange for that girl to ask a favor from anyone, better yet from him. Suddenly he felt anxious. He pulled his arm away and then replied, " Hmm.. you're strange, Hyuuga. ". He took another step ahead, and before Hinata could stop him from walking away, he turned around and said.
" If it gets you from getting on my nerves, then fine. I'll go. ", he gave her one final glare before he walked towards his class. Hinata was left there at the hallway, and as she turned right to get to her class, her lips formed a smile. She couldn't believed herself that her plan will work. She began to think of all the possibilities, and as she tucked her hair behind her ear, she was no more happier than to have Sasuke to help her in getting Naruto's attention.
The girl waited anxiously for the boy who promised to meet her behind block A. The breeze sent shivers down her spine, and her long hair swayed with the wind blowing. Her skirt almost revealed her thighs but she managed to hold it from doing so. Hinata's heart pounded with such anticipation that she could hear the blood rushing through her veins. Suddenly, she heard faint footsteps walking towards where she stood. Uchiha Sasuke stood in front of her, and to her surprise he didn't break his promise. The only response he got from her was her obvious statement.
" You came... ", she said.
" ... What do you want, Hyuuga? ", he asked coldly. Hinata almost felt shaken by the coldness in his voice. But she had to do what she had planned.
" ... I.. just want to ask you something.. ", she tucked her hair behind her ear and hesitated. But Sasuke's patience was running out.
" Just spit it out already. You're wasting my time. ", he said it without hesitation. The bitterness of his words didn't really bother Hinata though. Instead it actually made her feel empowered.
" Will you go out with me? ", her words just blurted out. Sasuke's eyes widened. He paused and he stared at the girl in front of him to see if she was joking. Even though she didn't, he felt the urge to laugh but he smirked instead.
" What made you think I'll go out with you? ", he took one step ahead, now they are only a meter apart from each other. " You don't even like me. And the look on your face when you say it, it looks like you're going to vomit. "
Hinata's face reddened. Did it really look fake?
" Besides.. even if you're the last girl on earth, I wouldn't date you. You're weak and you're such a crybaby. Now, I don't see any point of our meeting. ", he gave Hinata the usual death stare and turned his back on her when suddenly Hinata's loud voice broke the silence between them.
" What if I say you HAVE to go out with me? ", Sasuke halted. He replied with a sarcastic tone in his voice. " And if I say I don't WANT to? ". he turned around to see Hinata, now holding few photos in her hands.
" I'll distribute these to your fangirls. And to the boys in our school. ", Sasuke's eyes immediately got wide open. He rushed towards Hinata and tried to take the photos, but before he could even did it, she place it behind her back. Suddenly she was caught in the corner, and leaned against the wall. Sasuke felt that it was a great chance to trap her, then he straightened both of his hands and trapped her between him against the wall.
" What do you have there, Hyuuga? Give it to me! ", he yelled at her. Hinata had never felt more brave, and Sasuke had never felt more vulnerable, because his true soft spot had finally revealed. And the worst part was knowing that she was about to distribute it if he didn't accept her proposal.
" Just a couple of your photos at the pet shop yesterday.. hugging a rabbit.. ", Hinata stammered, but it never felt more great than to intimidate the school's most coolest and coldest boy. Sasuke struggled to get behind her back but she was strong enough to push him off of her.
" Okay fine! What do you want from me? ", Sasuke finally gave up although it felt like the most hardest thing to do. He never lose to a girl before, especially to the weak and sensitive Hinata Hyuuga. He could easily snatch those photos but what good it'll do? He knew she had kept some copies in her cellphone or in her computers just to make sure that losing the photos will be impossible.
" Go out with me. ", Hinata suggested again. This time it brought a frown on Sasuke's face as he said.
" You hate me so much, don't you Hyuuga? Just like your stupid cousin. ", he talked with such hatred. Hinata kept her calmness even though she felt like she was about to faint.
" No. I never hate you Uchiha-san. I.. I did this.. so I could make Naruto jealous. ", after awhile, she finally said it. She looked down onto her feet, and held back the tears that tried to fall down. 'I can't cry now... it'll make me look weak.' she sighed.
" I know there's something fishy behind this. ", Sasuke took one step behind to make space for Hinata.
" You will never understand, Uchiha-san. To watch your loved one together with somebody else... and to suffer because of that. ", Hinata couldn't take it anymore, so she fell onto her knees and cried once again. This time she watched by the number one on her list of the most disliked person. Sasuke just stood by watching her crying herself to her satisfaction. He actually knew her feelings towards his stupid best friend. After observing the body languages of girls who had a crush on him, it wasn't that difficult to know that this girl actually had a crush on Naruto. Seriously, how could anyone be in love with such dense and ignorant guy who doesn't even care of how she felt? .. Right. I'm talking about myself.
" Hn. Whatever. ", Sasuke spoke out of the blue. Hinata raised her head to see Sasuke's eyes stared directly to hers.
" So.. you'll do it? " she asked with a ray of hope in her eyes.
" Yes. If it'll help driving those annoying girls away, then yes. ". he agreed.
" Thank you so much... I can't believe you're willing to do this. "
" I'm blackmailed to. Not willing. That's a huge diference. " He emphasized the word 'blackmailed'.
" ... I'm sorry. It's just that, I don't know any other way to get his attention.. "
" I don't care how long you have planned this. I just needed to know.. how long do we have to stay together? " Sasuke asked.
" Uhm.. I don't know, until Naruto finally decides that he want to be with me? "
" Then that'll take forever. He's an idiot. You're so much like him. "
" Okay... how about a month? 30 days tops? "
" Then I'll get my photos back? "
" Then you'll have your photos back... but just one condition. "
" What? "
" You have to act like you're my boyfriend, and you have to show that you really care and love me... even.. even if you don't. "
" That made me want to throw up. " Sasuke pulled a disgusted face. Hinata was really mad but thus made those photos her advantage.
" Or I could upload this on Facebook... "
" Okay fine. Deal. " he took his hand out of his pocket to shake her hand as an agreement. After she took his, he suddenly pulled her and stared hardly into her eyes.
" I'll make sure you will regret this and make those 30 days a living hell for you. "
How was it? I'll make this fanfiction happen if there are any requests. :P Reviews are very much appreciated. :)
Disclaimer : I don't own Naruto or the characters.