Writing a winter chapter while I'm on summer vacation is weird.
But oh well. Here it is!
WINTER: Presents Warm My Heart on Winter Days
"So, I spoke to Hinata the other day." Shikamaru said. Naruto's eyes darted over towards him quickly. Did he confess? Did she reject him? He at least wanted her to tell him how she felt before Shikamaru asked her out, but she kept dodging the question. Hopefully she felt the same way about him too. Naruto swallowed hard before urging his lazy friend to continue.
"She told me that you think I like her."
Naruto blinked. "Err… Do you not like her?"
"No, you idiot."
There was a long silence between them before Naruto's cheeks reddened from embarrassment. Uh-oh. But what if Hinata actually did like Shikamaru? Then her heart would have been crushed for sure.
"So, does she…?"
"No."
Well that was a relief. "But, if you don't then how come you're always acting like that?" Naruto inquired, very confused. Shikamaru only raised his eyebrow in question, and Naruto continued. "I mean, when I talk about her you get annoyed and when I hang out with her you look annoyed. And then over the summer you kinda snapped at me that one time when I tried to talk to her, y'know?"
"That's because you don't understand other people's feelings." Shikamaru shifted his position on his couch, sitting upright this time. Naruto watched curiously, waiting for him to speak again. But he didn't, and Naruto was slightly annoyed.
"Um, you gonna tell me what you mean by that sometime today or what!?"
"Think about it. Hinata's an introverted person. She's not used to a ton of new friends hanging around her. You're not making her feel better since the only time you wanna talk to her is when Sakura isn't around." Shikamaru yawned. "Hell, you don't pay attention to anyone else unless Sakura isn't around."
The blond was about to speak up, denying the notion but thought better of it. Had he always been paying attention to Sakura so much? He thought he was doing a good job of making time for his friends. Now that he thought about it, he hadn't been hanging out with Sai, Kiba or Ino a whole lot lately. This was the first time in weeks that he was properly hanging out with Shikamaru. Even Hinata… The most recent thing he could remember was when they spent those 20 minutes together during the culture festival in the beginning of November. It was December.
He felt bad.
"So, do y'think she's mad?" He questioned.
"I wouldn't say mad. Hinata's rarely mad. I'd say disappointed probably." Naruto stayed quiet as Shikamaru continued. "That's why I was annoyed. You can't just dump us anytime Sakura decides she's not giving you the cold shoulder."
"Dump you? You sound jealous." Naruto laughed.
"Yeah right," Shikamaru scoffed, "I could care less. I don't have to deal with your annoying ass too often." Naruto huffed. "But Hinata is a little more delicate than I am. There's a reason why she only had very few close friends."
Naruto never thought about that. He teased Hinata about it a while ago, but he never thought to ask her why. Well, if she was feeling down, Naruto would just have to cheer her up! But what could he do? He'd need help from an expert on this.
(^o^)
He was watching her intently. But not only her. Them. Hinata, Kiba and Shino were having lunch at her desk, and Naruto watched them, trying to get a feel for how he could get her to be cheerful around him again, and to make up for being a bad friend. Something caught his eye. She pulled out something white and brown from her schoolbag. A hat?
"Oh nice! They look just like Akamaru's ears!" Kiba cried, putting on the hat. "And they keep my ears warm too."
"I wanted to make the sweater, but I forgot that I didn't take your measurements down…" Hinata gave an apologetic smile. Kiba stood up suddenly, his arms stretched out at his sides.
"Then do it now!"
"But I don't have anything to measure you with…"
"I want a hat too…" Shino muttered. Hinata turned to face him.
"Oh, I can do that. Leave it to me!" She smiled.
Shino nodded. "I want it to be pink… so that they match my mittens…"
Kiba's posture slouched as he gave Shino an incredulous look. Hinata only giggled. Naruto never noticed how close they all were. Hinata just looked so relaxed when she was with them. The blond kind of envied that. Hinata always seemed like she was on her guard every time she hung out with him. But right now, her smile was wide and bright and her posture wasn't so stiff. She seemed free.
Maybe he'd ask Shino what he could do to get her to loosen up around him and get her to be as cheerful as she was now. Kiba probably wouldn't be much help anyway, and would run his mouth to Hinata the moment he knew of Naruto's plans.
He'd ask Shino about it after school.
(^o^)
"So, do you know what she likes?" Naruto asked. He told Kiba to inform the upperclassmen in the basketball club that we was going to be a little late. If he wasted any time, he'd miss his chance to talk to Shino about Hinata. Right now, he was standing at the bug lover's desk, who hadn't even gotten a chance to stand up to leave.
Shino pushed his sliding glasses up his face, his gaze never leaving Naruto. "But, why?"
"Because I wanna make it up to her, like I said!"
Shino frowned at his words. "Did you two have a fight or something?"
"No. I guess I kinda made her upset." Naruto said, scratching the back of his head.
"What did you do?" Boy, Shino sure did seem to be a bit defensive today. Maybe that's why Shikamaru had told him there was a reason she didn't have many friends. Because the ones she did were really protective of her.
"I mean, I kind of made her disappointed in me, so I want to make up for it. What do I do?" Shino was lost in thought for a moment. He wasn't sure what Naruto wanted to do, but if it was going to make Hinata feel better about whatever situation those two were in, he'd help out in any way he could.
"You could get her a birthday present."
"When's her birthday?"
"Two days after Christmas."
Naruto probably wouldn't get to see her then. He had other things to do around then that he couldn't get out of, but giving it to her on Christmas would work. And then he got an idea.
"Okay! I got it! Thanks Shino!" Naruto cried, running off to the gym. "Oh! And don't tell Hinata or Kiba about this!"
Shino sighed. What was going through Uzumaki's mind?
(^o^)
"A Christmas party?" Hinata repeated. Naruto nodded. Apparently, he was having a get-together at his house and everyone was invited, including her.
"A party sounds fun! I'm in!" Kiba grinned as he and Naruto high-fived each other.
"But, is it really okay? Won't your parents mind?" Hinata asked, tilting her head to the side.
Naruto gave a small laugh. "You're so nice, Hinata; thinking about everyone." She failed to fight off the small blush that hit her cheeks. "It's fine. My parents are spending Christmas together out of the country."
How sad. That meant that Naruto was usually alone on Christmas. But he seemed completely fine. And Hinata knew he wasn't lying, because Naruto's feelings weren't cryptic; except for his feelings on her. "I'll go too…" she nodded.
"Ehh? You don't look all that thrilled about it, Hinata." Naruto mumbled, giving a small pout. Oh, he was just too adorable right now.
"I-it's not like that that all. I was just wondering if you'd be okay doing everything by yourself. Like cooking and stuff..." Naruto stared at her for a moment without a word.
"Don't tell me you don't know how to prepare basic meals." Kiba frowned.
The blond only chuckled nervously.
"…You don't know how to prepare basic meals." Kiba said flatly. A light laugh made its way from Hinata's lips as Naruto argued with Kiba about being able to make instant ramen. So Naruto wasn't a great cook. Maybe one day if she had the courage, she'd offer to give him a few lessons. Eating only instant ramen while his parents were away couldn't be healthy for him.
"I guess it can't be helped then. Me and Hinata'll help you out, since you're hopeless." The white-eyed teen gasped. Why was Kiba signing her up for things that she didn't even agree to? The thought of going to Naruto's house made her knees weak. She couldn't imaging cooking for him at his house too! Naruto's scoff brought her out of her thoughts.
"Hah, you know how to cook?" Naruto laughed as Kiba balled up his fists in annoyance.
"You're in no position to talk! Of course I do! My mom taught me everything I know." Kiba was a decent cook since he had to provide for himself when his mother went away – because his sister was absolutely useless in the kitchen! The dog-lover had to step up and be the older sibling by doing the cooking, cleaning and laundry.
"I'm not interested in your cooking. You'd probably bring dog food." Naruto's snide remark caused Kiba to cry out in frustration but the blond ignored it and focused his attention on Hinata, giving her a bright smile. "I'm more interested in having some of Hinata's yummy cooking. Right, Hinata~?"
A light blush crept onto her cheeks as he said this. Now Hinata really couldn't say no! He wanted to eat her cooking… Just the thought could make her die from happiness. Just as she was about to answer, Kiba held an arm out in front of her, blocking her from Naruto.
"Hold on a sec! You think you're just gonna have Hinata at your house alone before the party starts, cooking for you?"
The blond nodded. "Yeah, why not?"
"You've got some nerve! I'm coming too – whether you like it or not!"
"Sheesh! Fine, since you wanna make a big deal out of it."
That's because it is a big deal, Naruto-kun! I was about ready to faint! As if cooking for Naruto-kun wasn't enough to get my heart racing… He wouldn't have minded that I was in his house alone with him? I guess he isn't too keen on social norms…
I'm glad Kiba-kun is going with me… I don't think I could be alone with Naruto-kun at his house.
The fact that I'm spending Christmas with him is really exciting though. Oh, I can't keep myself from giggling! We're doing gift exchanging there too, so I brought a teddy bear and wrapped it in a box. I wasn't really sure what to buy. I'm also bringing Kiba-kun's sweater and Shino-kun's hat that I'm currently knitting. He'll be so happy when he finds that there's a pompom attached to the top of it.
I wonder what I should make for the party. Kiba-kun wants to get there really early so that we can finish by time everyone else shows up. Father objected at first, but then I reminded him that he wasn't even going to be here on Christmas day. He's going to some party with his coworkers on that day, as usual. Because of that, we would always celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve but now father works then too.
He works too hard. I mean, he's the CEO and he can't take one day off to spend time with us? I don't think I want to be in the business if I never had time for my family…
I think he felt a bit guilty when I told him that he was going out on Christmas too. That was probably the only reason I was permitted to go to the party.
And I'm okay with that.
"Wow, it's a lot cleaner than I expected." Kiba mumbled, taking off his shoes. He and Hinata just made it to Naruto's house, and were getting settled in. Hinata had taken it upon herself to put her present under a small tree by the kotatsu.
"Of course it's clean! Do you really think I'd trash my parent's house while they were away?" Naruto cried.
"Oh, when do they come back?" Hinata asked.
"Tomorrow. We're gonna spend time together for a whole week straight after that."
That was good. Hinata was worried that Naruto was going to spend his vacation all alone. "Um, do you have aprons? I kind of wanted to get started."
"Already Hinata? Let's just relax for a bit." Kiba said, seating himself under the kotatsu. Naruto did the same, motioning for Hinata to join them. She frowned.
"Kiba-kun." She started with a firmness in her voice. "It was your idea to come here early. We can play later."
To Naruto's surprise, Kiba got up begrudgingly and followed her into the kitchen. He hadn't heard her voice take that tone since that time they were together over the summer. Hinata was a really interesting person, he concluded. She was so shy and soft-spoken with him, but she was bright and bubbly when she was with Ino and almost motherly towards Kiba and Shino.
In all honesty, he was a little disappointed Kiba showed up early. It would have been nice to get to know Hinata a little more and it would have been easier if it was just the two of them. Oh well, there would be other chances.
Then it dawned on him.
Crap! He needed to be alone with her so he could give her the birthday present he got her. Neji wasn't going to be here today, but Kiba seemed to take on the role of protective family member when her cousin wasn't around. Come to think of it, Shino sort of acted like that the other day too. Shikamaru was also like that over the summer. Was everyone like that when it came to Hinata?
Naruto gave a long sigh. What was he going to do?
(^o^)
"Cheers!" Ino cried, as the group hit their glasses together. It was about three in the afternoon and Hinata and Kiba just barely finished cooking before everyone else arrived. Hinata didn't think it would have taken so long, but Naruto wanted to help too and despite Kiba's protests, she let him into the kitchen. She had to gently push him out when he dumped salt into the cake batter instead of sugar, causing her to start all over again.
"Ah, the food looks good! Oh, you made fried chicken too!" Sakura smiled, ready to dig in.
"Yup! My specialty!" Kiba laughed. Besides that, the table was decorated in all sorts of cooked meats, noodles, rice and a Christmas cake that sat in the middle of all the food. Out of all the things that she made, Hinata was most proud of that cake.
"I didn't know Hinata could cook." Sai said softly. "This is really good." The dark haired teen gave a sheepish smile.
"Of course~! She's my Hina-chan – she can do anything!" Ino smiled haughtily.
Sakura shot her a jaded look. "You sound like a proud father."
"You also sound way too noisy." Shikamaru said lazily, much to Ino's displeasure.
"Hey Shino, why do you still have that hat on? Aren't you warm?" Kiba asked.
Shino shook his head. "It's the one Hinata made me for Christmas. I like it."
"It's very… pink." Naruto said.
"…That is because it's my favorite color."
"Eh? Mine too." Sakura laughed.
"Of course it is…" Ino mumbled, causing Sakura to slap her on the arm.
"Oh right! Speaking of Christmas presents, do you guys wanna exchange them now?" Naruto asked. After the food was all done, the group finally decided on passing the presents around in a circle until Naruto called for everyone to stop. Everyone was more or less content with their presents. Ino had gotten the teddy bear Hinata brought as a present and decided to name it Hina-boo-bear, to honor her. There was a pink tint on her cheeks after hearing that.
"A gift card to Ichiraku's…" Shikamaru mumbled. "Why couldn't you just buy a normal present like everyone else?"
"Eh? Of course it's normal!" Naruto cried, but Shikamaru ignored him. Still, he slipped it into his wallet as Naruto went on about how great his favorite ramen shop was. Shino had gotten a CD from Shikamaru. It was supposed to help you fall asleep with its soothing, hour-long soundtrack.
Kiba had gotten some scented candles from Sakura, while she got a universal gift card from Ino.
"What's this?" Naruto asked, pulling out a t-shirt from a present box.
"Oh that's mine." Kiba grinned. It was a band t-shirt that Kiba purchased the other day. It was his favorite band and he convinced Naruto that he should listen to them sometime. The blond didn't hesitate to try on the t-shirt either – it was actually a perfect fit.
Hinata had received a lovely painting from Sai. It was a landscape painting during nighttime and she couldn't take her eyes off of the beautiful details of each blade of grass and the light of the moon shining down in certain areas. She was sure to frame it in her room.
"A bug?" Sai said. Hinata, Ino and Sakura let out squeaks and cries of fear while Kiba sighed.
"Really Shino? We said no bringing weird th-"
"I'll treasure it forever." Sai said suddenly, totally absorbed in the little beetle moving around in its plastic home.
"S-seriously?" Kiba asked, his posture slumped.
(^_^)
After the gift exchanging was complete, everyone found different things to occupy themselves with. Kiba and Ino were playing a video-game together on the television while Sakura watched on intently. Sai was so invested in this beetle that he began to sketch it as Shino gave him a mini lecture on beetles. Shikamaru, who was full from the meal, slept underneath the Kotatsu. Hinata said that she would handle washing the dishes, and Naruto quickly offered to help her, under the guise that this was his house. While it was true, he was more focused on being alone with her so he could hand her the birthday present he got.
It was quiet between the two. They weren't even making eye contact. She would pass him the dishes she finished washing and he would dry them with a small towel and place them in the cabinet. At one point, when she passed him one of the dishes, a part of his hand landed on top of hers. This sudden interaction had caused them to look at each other for the first time since they were alone together. It wasn't until Hinata's finger moved slightly that Naruto took the plate from her, mumbling a small apology. She looked away, embarrassed at the fact that they had looked at each other for such a long time.
"Um, Hinata?" Naruto called to her, breaking the silence. She turned her head to look at him, signaling for him to continue. "I actually… Got you a present, since your birthday's coming up and all."
She was taken aback. Uzumaki Naruto got her a birthday present? "But how did you know when my birthday was?"
"I asked Shino." The blond smiled. When Hinata went to ask why, his smile faltered a bit. "Well, I spoke to Shikamaru, and he told me I wasn't being a very good friend to you." He paused for a moment. "So I thought about all the things I could do to make it up to you, y'know? And I decided that I wanted to get you something that'd make you happy. So here." He handed her a rectangular box from his pocket. She reluctantly took it, still in a daze from what he said.
There was no wrapping paper on it; just a lavender ribbon tied around the white box. She gently pulled away the silk ribbon, stuffing it in her pocket. Her hand rested on the cover of the box for a moment before she lifted it carefully.
"Oh wow…" She said breathlessly. It was absolutely beautiful! He had gotten her a necklace – a beautiful pearl necklace. The way it shined in the light was absolutely gorgeous. When did he even buy it? A better question would be how did he buy it? It looked quite expensive!
"Do you like it?" Naruto asked, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. "I would've given it to you for your birthday but my parents're coming back tomorrow so I'll be hanging out with them."
"I love it… But, wasn't it too much money? It looks so expensive…"
Naruto gave a small laugh. "Don't worry about it! Gama-chan's fine."
Hinata blinked. "Gama-chan?"
"Mhmm. He's my frog-shaped wallet." Hinata giggled. "And besides, if it makes you happy, then who cares about expense, right?"
I don't even have any words. I didn't know what to say then and I don't know what to say now! Naruto-kun went out of his way to buy me a birthday present. But not just any old present – a necklace! I wanted to cry tears of happiness right then and there! I was so happy that he thought to do something like that.
I spoke to Shino-kun about it when we he, Kiba-kun and I went to visit the shrine on New Year's. I was surprised when I found out he knew that Naruto-kun had gotten me a present. Apparently Shino-kun said that Naruto-kun told him not to tell. Shino-kun is a man of his word. I also called Shikamaru-kun about it. He was blown away.
"I told that idiot to be mindful of you, not to go out and buy the most expensive thing out there! If he thinks that he can just buy you stuff and then go some more days treating you like a second option, he's even more stupid than I thought."
Is what he said. I don't think that's the case though. Naruto-kun wants to make all of his friends as happy as they can be. Of course he'd do the same for me – we're friends after all. I didn't think it would be this extreme though, I have to admit. I feel a little bad now, since I never really got him a birthday present. I wonder if I should return the favor and get him a present too. But I wouldn't really know what to get him.
Actually, tomorrow is Valentine's Day. I've been making chocolates and cookies for everyone. I made Naruto-kun's extra special, just because I thought about confessing tomorrow. But now I'm debating if I really want to do that. I mean, we're such good friends now! We even hung out a few more times over winter break and over the weekends in January. I don't want to ruin that by confessing my feelings for him. Ino thinks I should do it after school tomorrow, but I'm really scared.
What if Naruto-kun rejects me? Or worse – what if he finds that being friends after my confession is too weird and he doesn't want to do that anymore? I'd be crushed. Oh, I'm such a coward. Maybe it won't be so bad. Maybe he'll just politely decline and ask for us to strictly be friends. I think that if it happened like that, I'd be okay.
I just don't want to lose Naruto-kun's friendship.
I mean, we've come so far from me not being able to look him in the eye or even being close to him without hyperventilating. Now, we joke around and we laugh together and we tell each other stories. I don't even get too nervous when he gets really close to me. I would hate to have all of that go away just because I went and made things awkward.
Hopefully I'll think of something tomorrow.
"For me?" Shikamaru asked. Although his tone was as monotone as usual, Hinata saw that his eyes had widened slightly at the sight of the transparent plastic bag with the pink ribbon tied around it. It held some of the little chocolates and cookies Hinata spent all night baking. She slipped it in his hand and he inspected the treats further.
"Yes!" She smiled. "To thank you for being such a wonderful friend." Shikamaru smiled, and Hinata's smile grew wider upon seeing his. He tried to frown, but it wasn't working at all.
"And just what are you smiling at?"
"You. It's so nice to see a genuine smile on your face for a change." She giggled, before skipping off to see Ino at the front door.
"Troublesome girl." He laughed.
"Ino! Happy Valentine's Day!" Hinata cried cheerily before handing her a bag similar to what she gave Shikamaru.
"Ah! Same to you Hinata! Aww, did you bake these?" Ino smiled, accepting the little bag of sweets while Hinata nodded. Ino reached into her schoolbag and pulled out a chocolate bar with a cute, pink little bow wrapped around it. "It probably pales in comparison to yours since it's store brought, but it's imported from France so it must be really good!"
"Ah, I can't wait to eat it! Thank you Ino!" The two of them walked towards Ino's desk. She sat in her seat while Hinata sat on top of the desk, kicking her feet. She was in such a great mood today. Everyone seemed to be in such high spirits, and Hinata could see pink boxes and plastic sticking out of some of her classmate's desks. How cute!
"So, do you have chocolate for a special someone?" Ino giggled. Hinata blushed and looked away from her.
"I could ask the same of you." Ino was about to question what exactly she was talking about but realized that Hinata was looking at the door in the front of the classroom where Sai, Naruto and Sakura had entered.
"Oh, you're rude." Ino muttered. "I think we've been hanging out way too much."
"Probably." She laughed. "Well, are you going to give it to him?" Hinata questioned.
"Give what to who?" Naruto asked, taking his seat next to Ino. Sakura took her assigned seat at the desk in front of Ino's.
"What'd I say about getting into people's business?" Sakura asked calmly.
Naruto frowned. "I was just asking."
"Well quit asking!" Ino cried, obviously flustered. The two engaged in a little squabble after that. Just then, Hinata remembered something. She got off of Ino's desk quietly and made her over to Sai, placing her homemade chocolates and cookies on his desk.
"Here Sai, these are for you. Thank you for being a nice friend." She smiled.
"Ah, I got Valentine's chocolates from Miyuki!" he cried.
"I know you modeled her after me, but I'm not the heroine in your comic, so please just call me by my name…" Hinata frowned.
Ino sighed. "Isn't it always easy? Giving them to boys that you don't like?" she mumbled under her breath.
Naruto was watching them too, but with somewhat of an annoyed look on his face. He wanted to have some chocolates too. He got some from Sakura as they walked to school together and it made him really happy (though he prayed that they were store-bought and not homemade) but Hinata's cooking was always really good. Her cake she made over Christmas was to die for! He wanted another chance to taste all the great stuff that she made.
Besides, if she was giving them out to friends, he should have been getting one too!
…Hopefully.
(^o^)
All throughout class, Naruto's eyes would shift from Hinata to the chocolates that Sai had sitting proudly on his desk and to the ones that were peeking out of Shikamaru's schoolbag. Needless to say, this Valentine's chocolate problem was eating him up instead of the other way around. It shouldn't have been though.
Naruto had faith in Hinata that she'd give him some. She had to! They were friends after all, weren't they? He and Hinata had spent time hanging out together since the Christmas party. They hung out at the mall again and they even went to play at the arcade. He would have also liked to add that they were alone when those things happened.
So why didn't she give him any?
She walked right past him to give her chocolate to Sai. Granted, it had his name on it and she was holding it in her hand, but still! He wanted one too.
"Uzumaki-san!" His teacher called out to him.
"Y-yes sir!"
"Since you want to stare off into space during my lecture, and especially before my exam might I add, you can do so in the hallway."
"Ehh?" Naruto whined before standing up.
"Maybe if you weren't sneaking peaks at Hyuga-san, you'd be able to stay~." Ino murmured, loud enough so that only Naruto could hear her.
"What'd you say!?" He cried. Ino gave a light laugh.
"Uzumaki! Outside! Now!"
"Yeah, yeah." Naruto muttered, begrudgingly leaving the classroom.
Hinata watched him leave the classroom before looking over to his now empty chair. At that moment, Ino caught her eye. The blonde sent her a quick wink before returning to the lecture. Hinata did the same.
What was that all about?
(^o^)
"Oh, Hinata's not having lunch with you? Don't tell me she hates you?" Naruto said smugly. He and Kiba were in the cafeteria, since neither of them had brought lunch boxes that day. Naruto was having udon since they were all out of ramen for today, and Kiba had some soup.
"Oh please. Shino's in the library studying for an exam, so she thought she'd go give him the Valentine's chocolates she made for him." He said nonchalantly.
Again with the Valentine's chocolates, huh?
"Oi, Kiba. Did you get any from her?" Naruto asked.
The shaggy haired teen held up the transparent plastic bag with the pink ribbon on it that all of their friends seemed to have except for him. "Of course. Hinata gives me Valentines chocolates every year, you should know this. You always complain I never share them with you." Hinata had given chocolates and cookies to him and Neji while the three of them walked to school together. "Don't tell me you didn't get any."
When he was silent, Kiba mimicked the same smugness Naruto donned earlier. "Oh! Hinata didn't get you any chocolates? Don't tell me she hates you?"
"She does not!" Naruto cried. A few moments later, he slouched his shoulders. "At least… I hope not."
"Oi, you're supposed to say that kinda stuff with confidence. How am I supposed to believe you otherwise?"
Naruto sighed. "And here I thought things were going fine between us."
Kiba raised an eyebrow. "You make it sound like you two are dating… You're not, right?"
"No, we're not." Naruto said, waving off the notion. "Sides, Hinata doesn't even see me like that anyway."
Kiba wanted to say something so badly, but thought against it. "Well… If you're not, then why do you care so much about her chocolates? Weren't you bragging to me about how Sakura gave you some this morning?"
"Yeah, but that's a totally different thing." The blond said. "Sakura-chan giving one to me means that she might like me. Hinata's giving them out to all of her friends. But we're friends and I haven't gotten one yet!"
"Ino didn't give you any chocolates either."
Silence.
"But, that's a totally different thing, y'know!?" Naruto cried.
"Sure, sure," Kiba snickered, "whatever you say."
(^o^)
Her heart was pounding fast, and her legs felt like they'd give out on her at any moment. Hinata and Ino promised each other that they'd confess after school with the Valentine's chocolates that they had. Hinata was currently waiting at Naruto's shoe locker for him. What if he had friends with him? What if Sakura was with him? She couldn't confess then! It was embarrassing enough just telling Naruto how she felt! She was starting to chicken out. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea.
Just as she turned to leave, the boy she had been waiting on had finally shown up and he was alone. Of course he'd show up right as I decide I can't do it! He looked her up and down before noticing the heart-shaped box in her hands. Another chocolate? Naruto thought that whoever the person was, they sure were lucky.
"What're you still doing here, Hinata?"
"I… Um…" She started. "W-well…"
Come on Hinata, you can do it.
You can do it!
You can do it!
"Th-these are for you!" She cried, bowing as her arms stretched out to hand them to him. "Th-thank you… for being such a… wonderful friend…"
Friend.
Friend.
She said he was a friend! How could she screw up like that!? She had planned everything out in her head! And then all of that just went out of the window as her mouth just spoke out on its own. She swore that her lips were traitors. They had to be! The blush on her face ran to her ears. It was so silent for a while. At that moment, she thought that maybe he wasn't okay with this, and she successfully fought hard to blink back the oncoming tears.
Naruto stood in shock for a moment before taking the box out of her hand. "Y'know, I was actually a little sad that I didn't get any from you earlier," Hinata slowly looked up at him, stunned by his words. "I was actually thinking about it all day in class and stuff."
"R-really? I'm so sorry…" So that was what happened. If only Hinata could have asked Ino about it over lunch, but she spent her lunch with Shino in the library.
"It's fine. It was kinda silly of me to think that you wouldn't give me one. Now that I know I got a really special one from you, I'm really happy. Thanks Hinata!"
"You're… You're welcome." She smiled, finally.
Ahh! I couldn't do it! They ended up being friendship chocolates in the end! I tried so hard to tell him that I liked him, I really did! It was on the tip of my tongue and everything! ...It's funny actually, because Ino told me that she ended up giving her chocolates to Sai as friendship chocolates too. I guess we both failed.
Still, Naruto-kun was really happy, and he walked me home too – taking bites of the chocolate on our way there. He really loved it, so I guess it wasn't a total failure.
You know who didn't fail though? Temari-senpai!
Over the summer, when Shikamaru-kun had something important to tell me, it was about her. He wanted to confess to her before she graduated, but he didn't want to cause any trouble for her by doing that. I guess she would have passed on going to college and he didn't want that. He's a very admirable man, I have to say.
He had asked me what I thought he should do about it. I said that if he was up to it, he should tell her how he felt about her.
However, she confessed her love for him with chocolates today. She said that she did it because she didn't want to have any regrets when she graduated. I'm very proud of her. I don't think I have the courage to do something like that.
Shikamaru-kun accepted the chocolates, but is waiting to give his answer on White Day.
I actually can't wait to see what kind of present I get from Naruto-kun on White Day! I shouldn't be saying things like that. After all, he gave me such a beautiful present for my birthday. Still, I can hardly contain my excitement!
I wonder what Shikamaru-kun is going to buy for Temari-senpai.
Ahh, love is such a great thing, isn't it?
"Eh? Shopping for what?" Naruto groaned lazily. His head was currently on the desk, and he was absolutely drained from today's lessons. Kiba, Sai and Shikamaru sat around his desk while Neji stayed behind to clean the classroom. Everyone else had gone to their clubs or went home, so it was just the five of them in inside of the classroom.
"For White Day, stupid." Kiba frowned. "It's coming up in a few days, you know."
"Why do I need to go shopping for White Day?" The blonde frowned.
"Sakura'll kill you if you don't return the favor and get her a present." Sai said. Naruto's eyes widened. The thought of her breaking into his home and ready to strangle him played in his mind over and over again.
"You don't need to be worried about Sakura." Neji spoke, and all eyes were now on him.
"I don't?" Naruto asked.
"No." Neji said calmly. "If you don't get Hinata a White Day present, I'll destroy you before Haruno even gets the chance."
All eyes were back onto Naruto as he became as white as porcelain.
"That's right! You wouldn't shut up about the chocolate she gave you for Valentine's Day!" Kiba cried, raising his fist in the air.
"You better not make her cry, Naruto. If Neji sees one tear roll down her cheek, you're dead." Shikamaru laughed.
Naruto didn't know what was worse, seeing Hinata cry or having Neji completely obliterate him. To be truthful, he had experienced both of those things, and he couldn't handle the way both of them made him feel.
"A-alright…" Naruto said finally, a nervous smile etched onto his face. "When do we want to go shopping for the girls then?"
"What do you mean 'when'? You need to go this weekend! White Day is on Tuesday, you know!" Neji scolded.
Kiba nodded in agreement. "I can't believe you haven't gotten any presents yet."
"Did you buy any presents, Kiba? You were the one who said we needed to go!" The blond argued.
He smirked. "Of course I did. Shino and I went to the mall to get Hinata's presents last week."
"I got mine for her just the other day." Shikamaru said.
"Me too." Sai nodded.
Naruto blinked. "Then why do you guys need to go?"
"We need to go to make sure you don't screw up." They said in unison.
"…I see." Naruto frowned.
(^o^)
As soon as they entered the mall, the five boys split up. Sai needed Shikamaru's help on finding a good gift for Ino while Kiba and Neji supervised Naruto to make sure he didn't buy anything weird. The two of them followed Naruto up and down several floors, growing more tired and annoyed each time the blond muttered "no" or "that won't work".
"Look! There's a bakery. You can get Hinata Cinnamon rolls, those are her favorites." Kiba said.
Naruto shook his head. "Nah, it's too practical."
"You're being awfully picky for someone who just figured out that he needed to buy someone a White Day gift." Kiba scowled.
Naruto ignored him, walking off to a different shop as Neji and Kiba tagged along. Naruto finally made it to a store that sold charm bracelets. Almost everything was blue and white, in honor of White day, he supposed. Then something stood out to him. A small bracelet with a few charms on it, and it was pink – Sakura's favorite color. He checked the price. Not too expensive either. It was perfect.
"Hey, hey! Don't you think this is a cool present for Sakura-chan?"
Kiba rolled his eyes at first, but when he laid eyes on the bracelet, his expression had changed. "Oh, not bad. You're not as terrible as I thought."
Naruto gave a haughty chuckle. "Of course. My dad's pretty good at this stuff so I inherited it from him!"
"Okay now. If you're quite finished you should pay for it so you can get Hinata's present. I really don't want to be here longer than I need to be." Neji frowned, taking his usual "I'm annoyed" stance with his eyes closed and arm folded, gripping onto the sleeve of his shirt.
"Alright, alright! Don't get you're panties in a twist Neji, sheesh!" Naruto grumbled, walking up to the register.
At his remark, Neji became flustered. "P-panties?"
Kiba snickered, jabbing Neji in his side with his elbow. "C'mon man, don't let Naruto get to ya!"
After Naruto finished paying for Sakura's present, they went in search of a present for Hinata. It had taken them forever to find a store that Naruto seemed to like. When he did find one, he had his hands and face pressed up against the glass, admiring something. Neji and Kiba both raised their eyebrows in question before joining him.
"Whatcha looking at?" Kiba asked.
"Those." Naruto pointed at a pair of small pearl earrings in which a smaller pearl dangled from the bigger one. "They're pretty right?"
Neji and Kiba stared wide-eyed at the blond in front of them. He wanted to get Hinata pearl earrings?
"Um, yes they are," Neji started, "but why those?"
Naruto pulled his face from the glass to look at Neji. "Cuz they match the necklace I got her."
"You got her a pearl necklace!?" Kiba exclaimed. Naruto simply nodded. "When!?"
"For her birthday last year." Kiba's look of shock never left his face but Neji only nodded.
"Ah, so that's what she was wearing the other day." Neji explained that Hiashi threw a formal party at the estate, and Hinata wore that necklace with one of her new dresses. He saw her absentmindedly touch it a few times too.
"Ehehehe…" Naruto laughed, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head. "So she wore it? That's nice to know."
"If you're going to buy it, you should do so now." Neji said. Naruto and the rest went in to buy the earrings. When Naruto found out the price for those earrings, he froze. Neji sighed. "I'll spot you if you want." At his words, Naruto was brought back to reality.
"Me too," Kiba chimed in. "Don't get me wrong though. This is for Hinata, not for you."
"Agreed."
Naruto looked at the two of them about to dig into their wallets but stopped them. "No. If you two did that, then it wouldn't be my present to Hinata. You two already brought your presents. I can pay for it."
(^o^)
"Ahh, Gama-chan is so empty." Naruto sighed, swaying back and forth as he walked in between Kiba and Neji. It was necessary though. Getting those earrings for Hinata was important to him. Now, she'd certainly be happy on White Day and Neji wouldn't murder him. It was a win-win situation!
"Can I ask you a question, Naruto?" Neji asked, breaking his thoughts. Naruto nodded. "What exactly are you to Hinata?"
"Whadaya mean?" Naruto asked, cocking his head to the side.
Neji cleared his throat lightly before speaking again. "Well, you got her a necklace for her birthday, and you spent all your money for these earrings for her. Are you two an item?" Kiba perked up, interested in his answer.
"Nah, we're just friends." Naruto grinned.
"Naruto, 'just friends' don't go out of their way to do the kind of stuff that you do. Do you like Hinata or something?"
Naruto stopped for a moment. Like Hinata? "I dunno, I never thought about it." He said nonchalantly, causing Kiba and Neji to slap their foreheads in annoyance. It was true though. Naruto never thought about her in that light before. When he was younger, he thought that she was a little strange, with those white eyes he'd never seen before. In middle school, he thought that she was a really jumpy person, always afraid of the smallest thing that touched her. He also thought she hated him, since she never wanted to be near him.
Now, he thought that she was one of the best friends he could have ever had. But he never thought about liking her. She was a dependable person, really kind, was good at sewing and knitting and cooking. She was also kind of pretty, he supposed. Oh yeah, and she also had large assets. Was he supposed to like her or something? Naruto thought that he was just being a good friend until Neji said something about it.
He didn't have time to dwell on it any further when Shikamaru had called out to them.
"Sai finally got Ino her White Day present." He said, as he made his way to the rest of the group.
"Ah, what'd you get her?" Kiba asked, and Sai pulled out a very beautiful, white lace lingerie. The boys were absolutely stunned.
"Why would you buy something like that?" Neji asked.
"The woman at the store told me that Ino would absolutely love it."
Kiba grimaced at Shikamaru. "And you didn't stop him?"
The prodigy shrugged. "I told him it wasn't a good idea once. Wasn't gonna fight him on it."
"Sai… You're really bold…" Naruto managed to say.
Again, Naruto-kun always manages to blow me away. This time, I got earrings to go with my necklace. He insisted that I try them on at school, but we aren't allowed to wear them at school so I promised I'd send a picture through text message. I kept my promise, and now Naruto-kun has a picture of me in his phone.
Ah, it's so strange to think about, but it makes me a little happy.
Though, I should probably tell him to stop buying gifts like this. If he keeps this up, father will think that I have a boyfriend, and then I'll get scolded for not properly introducing him to the family and all of that.
Also, Sai gave Ino sexy underwear for White Day. I asked her if she was sure that she only gave chocolates to Sai as a friend and she said,
"Yeah I did! I don't know what his problem is, sending me perverted stuff like this! He's got some nerve!"
And then she gave him a good punch on the head. Even though she said that, she still accepted the present. I wonder if she actually wears it. I'll have to ask her about it when we hang out together during spring break.
Oh yeah!
Graduation happened yesterday. That means that Temari-Senpai's high school career is over now. Shikamaru-kun gave her an answer on White Day. He told her to study hard at school. At first, she was really upset about it, but then he told her that he couldn't give her the answer she wanted because it would only hold her back. So, I think that when we graduate, Shikamaru-kun will finally give her the answer they both wanted to hear.
I'm so happy for those two.
I wish I could have a drastic turn of events in my non-existent love life. However that doesn't seem like the case for me.
Ah, but I should forget about that for now. I'm going to be a senior soon. How exciting is that? I sit here, and look at all these photos taken from last year – Ino and I having lunch together, all of us playing on the beach, Shikamaru-kun and myself sunbathing... There are pictures of me and Sai at the culture festival as well as Naruto-kun and I on Christmas... Then there are a bunch of photos with Kiba-kun, Shino-kun and I.
I look back at all of them, and I think about how far I've already come as a person in just a year. Sure, I've had a few rough patches here and there, but I like the person I'm becoming. I'm happier, I'm a little more sociable, and I was able to make wonderful friends who care about me.
For the first time in a very long time, I can finally say that I love myself.
And being able to say that about myself means the world to me.
And that's all for junior year! It actually quite hard to write groups of people, so I really struggled with this chapter a lot. If anyone has tips to give, it would be very much appreciated! As promised, the next chapters will be going by month, so look out for chapter 5; April!
See you in the next one!
