AN: so sorry again for the late update…

If it's in italics, then it's either an inner thought or a flashback

If it's in plain text in a whole segment of italics, it's an inner thought.


Chapter 7:

Tenten squirmed. She just felt so restless. Why did Neji suddenly want to train with her when he was so reluctant about that matter just a few days ago?

So she wished and hoped that Neji might just be longing for her company.

Ya right.

It sounded so cheesy. Neji longing for her company? Now where did that come from? But even so, Tenten prayed to the gods that it could be the reason or even better so, that he wanted to have her again.

She sighed and shook her head. All things happening were getting to her. Her life needed to be back on track. Her life must not revolve around Neji.

But as he walked in, nonchalantly, clad only in his usual training clothes and powerful aura, Tenten just melted. Because she cannot deny and she cannot help it.

She loved him too much for her not to think about him. And it pained her too much that it was not her by his side.

"Ready Tenten-san?"

She nodded.

His Byakugan activated and the training commenced.

Neji didn't really feel like training. But yeah, he had to clarify a few things. He must be sure that he loved Tenten and he must know if he will ever forget about her.

As he looked at Tenten executing her perfect spin as she summoned a handful of weapons, he saw the grace and he tried to understand what he felt.

He felt good and impressed that she was so good. He felt proud for she was his team mate. He felt care and pity and worry. He felt…he felt…nothing else.

And he suddenly stopped. And she stopped.

"Neji-san?"

Neji, confused and frustrated about everything, deactivated his byakugan.

"I'm sorry Tenten-san," he said as he suddenly walked away.

Tenten was agape.

What the…

"Neji," she called out, dropping the honorific for the first time in a long time.

He stopped.

"Tenten-san, I need to clear my mind. Let us continue this some other time," he said, his back facing her.

Tenten just wanted to shout because all this was just too much for her to take.

"Neji," she whispered, "why won't you look at me?"

Neji stiffened. He'd hate to see her cry and she sounded like she was about to. But he cannot turn back, can he?

No, he cannot. Because Tenten is the past and just now, he started to realize.

And, it just could be possible, that the love has faded.

So he walked away. And her heart just broke into pieces.


"Tsunade-shishou, can't you prevent this?"

"Sakura," Tsunade said, frustrated, "I cannot dictate what the clans should do. And as far as I can see, you are given a choice."

"Yes, Tsunade-shishou," she replied, equally frustrated, "but knowing Hiashi, he won't stop. I just feel that he'll keep on pursuing me for Neji-kun."

"I thought you were a couple?"

Sakura sighed. "You could say that Tsunade-shishou but…"

"But what?"

"It's complicated."

Tsunade almost rolled her eyes.

Kids these days.

"Sakura listen to me. You told him you'll think about it; then think about it."

Sakura just nodded.


"Neji-kun?"

"Hn."

"Have you ever loved before?"

He didn't answer.

"Never huh?"

He looked away. "Yes."

She put an arm on his shoulder.

"You're lucky. It hurts."

"Hn."

I know.


Ino was walking towards the hospital when she saw Sakura. Being the good friend she was, she decided that she won't let her friend walk alone.

"Sakura…Sakura!"

Sakura snapped out of her daydream as Ino's voice called out to her.

"Oh Ino," she said, slightly surprised.

"What is wrong with you, you look preoccupied," Ino asked, slightly worried about her friend.

"Nothing Ino."

Ino raised a brow. "Sakura, don't lie to me."

"Ino, if I tell, will you promise to keep it a secret?"

"Yes."

"Will you not overreact?"

"Yes," she replied again, losing patience.

"Promise?"

"Yes, Sakura," she replied through gritted teeth, "now tell me."

Sakura sighed. "Well, Hiashi-san asked me for my hand in marriage."

"What," Ino replied, skeptical, "but Sakura, he's old and scary and…"

"Don't be silly Ino," Sakura replied, her patience, too, thinning, "not for him, for Neji-kun."

Ino's eyes went wide a saucers and her mouth formed a big 'O'.

"I don't really think that's a problem Sakura."

Sakura looked at Ino as if Orochimaru came out of her mouth. "Not a problem? Hello Ino? This is marriage we're talking about!"

"Yes I know Sakura, now stop being hysterical before the whole of Konoha learns of this…thing of yours."

"How can you say it's not a problem," she asked, voice lower this time.

Ino rolled her eyes. "You and Neji, you're a couple. Marriage is not a farfetched idea."

"But Ino," she protested then her voice lowered to a whisper, "I don't love him."

Ino rubbed her temples. "Sakura, have you forgotten what I've told you? Stop torturing yourself. He won't reciprocate your feelings. Stop this."

"But Ino.."

"Sakura," she said, putting a reassuring hand on her arm, "listen to me, alright?"

She nodded though her eyes focused on the dusty road.


"Sakura," Tenten greeted as she sat beside her friend at Ichiraku's.

"Hi Tenten, how are you," Sakura replied as she smiled.

"I'm fine, kinda busy, just came from a mission."

"How was it," Sakura replied cheerfully.

"It's fine, nothing too big."

Sakura nodded. "Want some ramen? My treat."

"Really," Tenten asked happily.

"Sure, we don't see each other all the time."

"Thanks Sakura!"

"Don't mention it," Sakura replied as she motioned for Ayame to take Tenten's order.

"One beef ramen please," Tenten said cheerfully.

"So, have you seen Neji-kun?"

Tenten almost choked on her ramen. "Neji…kun?"

Sakura nodded casually while slurping her ramen. "You're on the mission with him right?"

Tenten nodded. She wanted to ask Sakura how she knew and why in the world was she calling Neji, Neji-kun.

"He's reporting to Tsunade-sama."

"Oh, okay. That explains why he hasn't seen me yet."

This time, Tenten stopped eating as she slightly turned towards Sakura, not wanting to act so surprised or too upset.

"Sakura, can I ask you a question?"

"Shoot."

"Are you…"

"Sakura," a voice cut through. Sakura turned around and greeted Neji.

"Neji-kun! How was the mission?"

"It was fine," Neji answered, regarding Tenten's frown, putting a strong hand on Sakura's shoulder.

"Won't you join us for ramen?"

"No."

Sakura looked at Neji's slightly furrowed brows and at Tenten's frowning face.

"Neji-kun?"

"I'll see you later Sakura, I still have things to finish."

Sakura nodded in understanding and smiled sweetly. Neji's face grew warm and his lips curved a little upwards.

What the…, Tenten thought, is Neji smiling?

After he has walked away few meters, Sakura turned to her."You were asking me something Tenten?"

"Oh, I forgot," Tenten excused.

Everything is clear to me now.


AN: I'm sorry if it's a bit short but I promise I'll update sooner