Gaara's steady pace was hard for Hinata to match because his long stride was the opposite of Hinata's small ones. But, Hinata didn't have the courage to tell him to slow his pace down even if just a little. And she was too nervous to even voice out her wishes because of the stares she was receiving from almost half the school's girls' population.

But it looks like that didn't even bothering Gaara for the slightest. His confident pace didn't even waver with all the attention he was getting.

They were waking in silent. Hinata didn't mind it because she was too self-conscious about the attention she just gained. Become a shy and unpopular girl she was, she never got any special attention. And when she got it, she doesn't know what to do.

Hinata's mind snapped when they were passing her class. Her face turned to the side, facing her class. Her lips slightly open. That was her class. But, she passed it just like that. Then she turned her face to the guy in front of her who was still walking on.

"G-gaara..." she gulped once. Twice. "We just passed my class." She whispered unsure of what to say or do.

"I know."

"B-but," she tried her best to protest but failed miserably.

"I was just kidding when I said I was going to take to your class." He said calmly. "The truth is I wanted to go to the rooftop. Do you mind?" now, his face is facing her.

She just shakes her head.

"Good." His corner lips tilted a little.

"Ah, Neji!" Naruto was the one who talked first but get smacked on the head by none other than Sakura. Naruto glared at her. "What was that, Sakura?"

Sakura stands up and drags Naruto out off the canteen. "Come on, Naruto!" Sakura smiled at Neji. "See you later, Neji!" she was half running leaving the canteen.

Everyone was still staring at him. "What's wrong with you guys?" Neji made his way to their table and sat beside Tenten.

"Neji..." Tenten hesitating. "Neji, how long have you been arrived here?"

"Just recently. Why?"

Everyone exhale a deep breath that they were holding without their knowing. "Thanks god." They breathed out relieve.

"You guys looked very tense. What's wrong?" he asked. "And, can you stop staring at me with that look?" he said looking at Tenten who now turned her face embarrassed.

"Sorry."

"Where's Hinata?" he is looking around the canteen searching for a certain indigo haired girl with beautiful lavender ayes. "I can't see her anywhere."

"She is..." Ino said a little nervous. "She is... having something to do and..." her mind was thinking frantically, looking for a very good reason because she now is facing the human lie detector.

"She just left and was heading to the library. She said it has something to do about her tomorrow's assignment." Shino said while readjusting his glasses avoiding Neji's gaze.

Neji looked like he believes him. "So, what were you guys talking about before I come?"

"NOTHING!" they all shouted in unison.

"Wow." Neji stated sarcastically. "You guys sure are compatible."

They were all grinning ear to ear like crazy.

The wind is blowing over their body; brings a pleasant feeling and fresh smell.

Lying on the rooftop are the new couple who were enjoying themselves.

Gaara was sitting with his left knee bent slightly near his chest and his left hand was resting on his left ankle. His eyes closed. He looked very content. His hair was moving slightly as the breeze came blowing across his face, showing a little tattoo on his forehead.

Hinata who used on sitting on the ground or tatami precisely, has no difficulty. She sits at Gaara's left side. She secretly steals a shy glance at her side. He is very handsome. She thought shamelessly. His pointed nose, his big eyes, his lips, his sun kissed skin; everything about him is perfect.

Was that the reason for her to e so willingly became his girlfriend? Was that the reason, she is now dating a stranger? Hinata questioning herself. No. Off course not that. This guy is the only guy who cares for me and saved me beside Cousin Neji. And he is the only one who can make my heart beating this fast only by being by his side. Just like this. Staring into his face make me smile. It wasn't love at first sight. No, it's definitely not that, because what made me fall for him was his action and kindness.

Hinata smiled to herself.

But, what will Father thought of my action? What will Cousin Neji react to this? Knowing his timid Hinata is dating a man she just met? Will his kind and caring eyes stares at me differently? Will he feel disappointed by me? Have i disappointing the ones I cared for? Was me falling for him is wrong?

"What's with that face?"

"Ah?" Her trail of thought cut by him. She gave him a small smile that didn't even reach her eyes.

"You know you're not good on lying, so don't bother to." His eyes bore on her. "What are you thinking, Hinata?"

"It's..."

"Just say it."

"I was jut thinking." She bites on her lower lips. "Is it okay with me. You. Us? ...Dating."

Now Gaara composed his posture and sit up straight. "Why? Are you regretting it now?"

Somehow, his voice sounds painfully hoarse. It's like it pained him to even just uttering those question.

Hinata shook her head. "No."

"Then, why?"

Hinata's lips now are trembling. She opened it slightly. "It's just... that, we just met yesterday ad we even don't know much about each other. I didn't even know we're entering the same high school until this morning, and... We don't even know our last's name. Even though we're dating, I still don't know anything about you. Not your birthday, your hobbies... it's nothing... I know nothing."

She inhales a sharp breath.

"And yet, I'm dating you. I'm dating someone I barely know." Her eyes are teary. "And until now, I still don't know what you think of me. I don't know if you even love me? And the reason you were asking me to become your girlfriend, when there's so many other girls out there. Why me? Hinata: a very plain-looking, average-height and unpopular girl?"

His warm, slender fingers touched her cheek.

She surprised.

"Don't cry. I've never been good with words and comfort but I'll try my best. And if you want to know anything, just ask me. And if you are shy to do it, then just text me." He said as he wiped off her tears away. He cupped her cheek gently. "Sure, there's so much we need to know about each other. But, it will take time."

"Hinata..." he said after a moment. "It is true that we know nothing about each other. And there maybe were so many girls out there who will be willing to become my girlfriend, just like you said. And maybe, you're not the prettiest girl in the world or the tallest and the most popular. You may not some perfection goddess. But, for me, you're the only one in my eyes. As long as I have you, I don't need any other except you."

Gaara tilted her chin with his fingers. "And I'm not sure what love is, anymore. I don't know if its love that I feel. For me, the word 'love' had been another word for 'pain'. Because everyone that ever said that they loved me always brings me pain in the end. There's only this feeling of hurting, here."

He touched his chest with his other hand.

"But, it's different. With you, it's not the same. These emotions are new to me. It felt like my heart is going to burst. It was beating so fast. For the first time after a very long time, I felt alive again. But I didn't know if I like it or hate it because I'm scared, I've been scared of this day. The day when you're regretting this. But, still I was willing to try to hope again."

She was speechless. She didn't know that his feeling was this deep because he acted like he didn't really care. Then, something catches her attention. Out of instinct, she reached out her hand to his forehead to touch him there.

"Love." She said while trailing the tattoo. Her eyes are full of sorrow and regret. "Is that what it's mean? This 'love'."

Was this something that pained you so, Gaara? Tell me. Was this 'love' is your pain? Your sorrow? I'm sorry. I'm sorry I couldn't save you from those scars. She was continuing in her heart.

"So, can you tell me?" His voice was hoarse. "Is it, what they called love?"

Tears are threatening to fall from Hinata's white cheeks but she holds it with all her might. No. She won't crying. Smile. Just smile for him.

Sorry for the really late update.

and I'm really sorry for the grammar errors and misspellings, because English isn't my native language and I'm still learning it as school.

and I would be really happy if you give me some reviews, I'll be very motivated to write it.

thank you.

_Nevin c'Edelweys_